Manchester City have once again spurned Barcelona's renewed attempt to secure the services of their midfield anchor, Rodri, by rejecting a fresh bid that reportedly sits around the £55 million mark. The Catalan giants had initially tabled an offer in the region of £40 million, which City dismissed outright.
According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona came back on Wednesday with a higher proposal, somewhere between £50 million and £60 million, yet the Premier League side still found the figure insufficient for a player of Rodri's calibre. Rodri, the 30-year-old Spanish international who captained his country to World Cup glory, is now in the final year of his contract with City. The English club has made it clear that they are looking for a valuation north of £60 million, reflecting both his importance on the pitch and the market premium attached to a player of his experience.
Negotiations are ongoing, but the gap between the two clubs' expectations remains wide. Sky Sports has also reported that Manchester City have no intention of parting with their World Cup‑winning midfielder unless the player himself pushes for a move.
Their preferred scenario is to negotiate a new deal that keeps Rodri at the Etihad for the foreseeable future. However, the club has signalled that if Rodri were to submit a formal request to leave, they would not stand in his way, preferring to avoid a protracted stalemate that could disrupt squad harmony. While the Rodri saga continues, City have confirmed a separate transaction involving Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The player, who joined Manchester City from AC Milan last summer, has agreed to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah for a fee reported to be around £51 million.
Reijnders expressed a desire to experience a new challenge, and the Saudi Pro League offer appears to satisfy both his personal ambitions and the club's financial strategy. The departure of Reijnders, coupled with the potential exit of Rodri, would see City lose two central midfielders who have been integral to Pep Guardiola's tactical setup. Yet the club is already signalling its intent to reinforce the middle of the park.
Interest has been reported in Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernández and young French prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi. 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's future. James Savundra of Sky Sports News offered context on the financial implications of these moves: "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 puts them in a stronger negotiating position and gives them more flexibility with the funds they have left to spend. If they manage to secure a large fee for Rodri, matching £70 million with £50 million, that would bring them to roughly £120 million – the amount Chelsea are reportedly seeking for Enzo Fernández." In practical terms, the club's strategy appears to be a blend of cash‑in and cash‑out, aiming to balance the books while still pursuing top‑tier talent.
The potential £60 million plus fee for Rodri would not only compensate for the loss of a world‑class midfielder but also fund the acquisition of new players who can complement the existing squad. At the same time, the £51 million inflow from Reijnders' sale adds a substantial boost to the transfer budget, allowing City to remain active in the market without breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. Beyond the financial arithmetic, there are sporting considerations. Rodri has been a linchpin in City’s high‑pressing system, providing both defensive cover and an outlet for possession.
Replacing him would likely involve a combination of tactical adjustments and new signings. Enzo Fernández, known for his composure and passing range, could theoretically fill the creative void, while a younger talent like Bouaddi might offer dynamism and long‑term potential.
The broader context of the transfer window also sees several Premier League clubs vying for limited elite midfield talent, making the market increasingly competitive. Manchester City, with their recent influx of cash from player sales, are positioned to act decisively, but they must also navigate the expectations of a fan base accustomed to winning titles and maintaining a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
In summary, Barcelona's renewed bid for Rodri has been turned down, with City holding out for a higher valuation or a contract extension that secures the midfielder's future. Simultaneously, the club has confirmed the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for roughly £51 million, adding to a series of outbound transfers that include James Trafford and Nathan Ake.
These moves free up significant funds, potentially enabling City to meet Chelsea's £120 million demand for Enzo Fernández or to pursue other targets like Ayyoub Bouaddi. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Manchester City can retain their World Cup‑winning captain, replace departing midfielders, and continue to build a squad capable of domestic and European success.