Manchester City have once again turned down a fresh bid from FC Barcelona for their midfield stalwart Rodri, reinforcing the club's determination to keep the Spanish World Cup winner in the Premier League. The latest proposal, reportedly worth around £55 million, falls short of the figure City consider acceptable for the 30‑year‑old midfielder, who is now entering the final year of his contract.
The saga began last week when Barcelona initially tabled an offer in the region of £40 million, which City promptly rejected. According to Sky Sports News, the Catalan side quickly regrouped and raised their offer to somewhere between £50 million and £60 million. Even with that increase, the English club remains unconvinced, insisting they will not settle for less than £60 million for Rodri. The negotiations are still ongoing, but the tone from the Etihad Stadium suggests that City are prepared to walk away unless the Spanish giants meet their valuation.
Barcelona, however, have made it clear that they remain eager to secure Rodri’s services. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly weighing their options and may come back with a higher bid or explore alternative routes, such as a player swap or performance‑based add‑ons, to satisfy Manchester City’s demands. Their persistence underscores the midfielder’s importance to the Blaugrana’s rebuilding plans, where his experience and ball‑winning ability are seen as vital assets for a side looking to reclaim domestic and European glory.
From Manchester City’s perspective, Rodri is not just another squad member; he is a pivotal figure in Pep Guardiola’s midfield machinery. The club has publicly stated that they would prefer to negotiate a new contract with the Spaniard rather than see him depart. Yet, they have also signalled a willingness to let him leave if the player himself wishes to move on, indicating a pragmatic approach that balances sporting ambition with respect for the player’s wishes.
In parallel with the Rodri talks, City have confirmed a separate transfer involving Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The 24‑year‑old, who arrived from AC Milan last summer, has agreed to join Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah for a fee reported to be around £51 million. Reijnders expressed a desire for a new challenge, and the move to the Saudi Pro League appears to satisfy both his personal ambitions and the financial interests of Manchester City.
The departure of Reijnders, combined with the potential exit of Rodri, could leave City short of central midfield depth. However, the club is already active in the market, targeting two promising talents: Enzo Fernández from Benfica and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
Chelsea have reportedly set a deadline of Friday 5 p.m. for City to submit a £120 million bid for Fernández, while talks continue over Bouaddi’s possible acquisition.
These maneuvers suggest that City are looking to replenish their midfield ranks with a blend of proven quality and youthful potential. James Savundra of Sky Sports News highlighted the financial implications of these moves, noting that the sale of Reijnders, alongside other departures such as James Trafford and Nathan Ake, could bring in over £100 million this window. He argued that this influx of cash would strengthen City’s negotiating position and provide the resources needed to pursue high‑profile targets like Fernández.
Savundra added that if City were to secure a large sum for Rodri, the combined revenue could comfortably cover the £120 million Chelsea valuation for Fernández, effectively balancing the books while still allowing for strategic reinvestment. In summary, Manchester City are standing firm on Rodri’s valuation, rejecting Barcelona’s latest £55 million offer and demanding a higher fee.
At the same time, they have completed the sale of Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for roughly £51 million, signaling a willingness to reshape their midfield contingent. The club’s ongoing pursuit of Fernández and Bouaddi reflects a broader strategy to maintain a competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions, ensuring that any departures are offset by quality arrivals. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Barcelona can meet City’s price tag for Rodri and whether the English club can secure its desired replacements without overspending, all while navigating the complex financial landscape of modern football transfers.