Manchester City have once again dismissed Barcelona's latest attempt to acquire midfielder Rodri, rejecting a fresh proposal that reportedly sits around the £55 million mark. This follows an earlier bid from the Catalan giants, which was estimated at roughly £40 million and was also turned down.
According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona intended to improve their offer to somewhere between £50 million and £60 million, yet even this increased figure fell short of City’s valuation. Barcelona remain resolute in their pursuit of the Spanish World Cup champion and are now weighing their options for a next move.
City, on the other hand, have signaled that they are looking for a fee north of £60 million for the 30‑year‑old, who is currently in the final year of his contract with the English club. Negotiations are still ongoing, but the Premier League side appears unwilling to let go of their midfield lynchpin for anything less than their asking price. Reports from Sky Sports this summer suggested that City’s primary aim is to retain Rodri by offering him a new contract, rather than cashing in on his market value.
However, the club has also made it clear that if the player decides to push for a move, they will not stand in his way. This pragmatic stance reflects the delicate balance City must strike between maintaining squad stability and respecting the wishes of a player who has been instrumental in their recent successes. In a parallel development, Manchester City have confirmed the sale of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah. The transfer fee is believed to be in the region of £51 million.
Reijnders, who arrived from AC Milan last summer, expressed a desire to leave and now appears set to join the Saudi Pro League, marking another high‑profile departure for the Etihad outfit. The simultaneous loss of two central midfielders could have significant tactical implications for Pep Guardiola’s side. Yet the club is already signalling intent to reinvest the incoming funds. Interest has been reported in Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernández and French youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi, both of whom could potentially bolster City’s midfield depth.
Chelsea have reportedly given City a deadline of Friday 5 p.m. to submit a £120 million bid for Fernández, while discussions continue with Lille regarding Bouaddi. James Savundra of Sky Sports News commented on the broader financial picture: "The Tijjani Reijnders news means Man City are making another major sale, they are bringing in over £100 million in sales this transfer window when you account for James Trafford departing and some smaller sales, such as Nathan Ake moving to Turkey. It means they are in a better position in terms of negotiating and what money they've got left to spend in this transfer window.
If they do get big money for Rodri, you match up £70 million with £50 million and that gets you to £120 million – which is what Chelsea want for Enzo Fernández!" City’s strategy appears to revolve around leveraging the proceeds from outgoing transfers to fund strategic acquisitions that align with Guardiola’s tactical blueprint. By offloading Reijnders for a sizable sum, the club not only recoups a portion of its investment but also frees up a roster spot for a player who can contribute to the high‑pressing, possession‑based style that has become synonymous with Manchester City.
Rodri’s situation remains a focal point of speculation. The midfielder has been a cornerstone of City’s midfield since joining in 2019, providing a blend of defensive solidity, intelligent positioning, and precise passing. His ability to break up opposition attacks and transition the ball forward has been vital to City’s domestic dominance and European campaigns. Barcelona, eager to add a player of his pedigree to their own midfield, view him as a long‑term solution that could elevate their competitiveness both in La Liga and the Champions League.
Should Rodri ultimately decide to leave, the financial windfall could enable City to secure one or both of the targeted midfield reinforcements. Enzo Fernández, who impressed at Chelsea and previously at River Plate, brings creativity and a keen eye for goal, while Ayyoub Bouaddi, a prodigious talent from Lille, offers youthful exuberance and technical flair. Both players fit the profile of modern midfielders capable of thriving under Guardiola’s demanding system. In summary, Manchester City have firmly rejected Barcelona’s renewed bid for Rodri, maintaining a valuation that exceeds £60 million.
At the same time, they have completed the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for around £51 million, bolstering their financial flexibility. The club now faces the dual challenge of retaining a world‑class midfielder while potentially replacing him with high‑quality alternatives, all within the constraints of a competitive transfer market. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether City can balance these objectives and continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory.