Manchester City have once again turned down Barcelona's latest attempt to acquire their midfield stalwart Rodri, rejecting a fresh proposal that reportedly sits around the £55 million mark. The Catalan giants had previously tabled an initial bid in the region of £40 million, which City dismissed outright. According to Sky Sports News, Barcelona returned to the negotiating table on Wednesday with a revised figure somewhere between £50 million and £60 million, yet the English club still considers the sum insufficient for a player of Rodri's calibre. Rodri, the 30‑year‑old Spanish international who captained his nation to World Cup glory, is in the final year of his contract with City.
The Premier League side has indicated that they would be willing to part with the midfielder only for a fee that exceeds £60 million, reflecting both his importance to the squad and the market value of a player who combines defensive solidity with an eye for goal. Negotiations continue, but City’s stance remains firm: they are not prepared to accept anything below their asking price. Reports this summer suggested that City’s primary objective was to secure a new deal for Rodri rather than cashing in on him.
The club’s hierarchy has repeatedly expressed a desire to keep the World Cup‑winning captain in Manchester, emphasizing his integral role in Pep Guardiola’s system. Nevertheless, the club has also made it clear that should Rodri decide to push for a move, they would not stand in his way, opting instead to let the player pursue his ambitions. While the Rodri saga unfolds, Manchester City have confirmed a separate transaction involving Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
The 26‑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 has expressed a strong desire to experience the Saudi Pro League, and the move appears to satisfy both the player’s wishes and City’s financial strategy. The departure of Reijnders, combined with the earlier exit of striker James Trafford and the more modest sale of defender Nathan Ake to a Turkish club, means City have generated over £100 million in outgoing transfers this window. This influx of cash bolsters their negotiating position and provides additional flexibility for upcoming signings.
Indeed, City are actively scouting for replacements in central midfield. Interest has been flagged in Argentine playmaker Enzo Fernández and French youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi. Chelsea have reportedly set a deadline of Friday 5 p.m. for City to submit a £120 million bid for Fernández, while talks continue with Lille regarding Bouaddi.
James Savundra of Sky Sports News highlighted the financial dynamics, noting that a sizable fee for Rodri—potentially £70 million—paired with the £50 million from Reijnders would bring the total to roughly £120 million, matching Chelsea’s valuation for Fernández. The broader context of these moves underscores City’s strategic approach in the current transfer window.
By offloading players who wish to leave and securing substantial fees, the club aims to reinvest in talent that aligns with Guardiola’s tactical vision. The potential acquisition of Fernández would add creativity and goal‑scoring ability from midfield, while Bouaddi offers youthful promise and versatility. In summary, Manchester City have rebuffed Barcelona’s latest £55 million offer for Rodri, maintaining a higher price expectation as they navigate the final year of his contract. Simultaneously, the club has completed the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for about £51 million, further strengthening their financial position.
With significant funds now available, City are poised to pursue high‑profile targets such as Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi, aiming to reinforce their midfield core while respecting the wishes of players seeking new challenges. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether City can secure the desired replacements and possibly lock down a new deal with Rodri, or if the Spanish midfielder will eventually depart for the Catalan side that remains eager to add him to their roster.