FC Barcelona are readying a third and final proposal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after seeing their first two bids rejected by the English champions.
The Spanish giants had their opening €45 million bid laughed off before returning with an improved offer of roughly €60 million (£51 million), which Manchester City turned down as it fell short of their valuation.
Barcelona’s financial strategy relies on keeping the guaranteed fee at €60 million while bridging City’s valuation gap with €10 million in achievable performance-based add-ons.
Rodri—who captained Spain to the World Cup trophy and won the 2024 Ballon d’Or—has made it clear to City leadership that his preferred destination is Barcelona.
Recognizing Rodri’s desire to leave, City have been exploring potential replacements. They have expressed interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, though Chelsea’s £120 million valuation has proven a major hurdle. To help fund further market activity, City have agreed to sell midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah for €60 million.
Negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City are expected to reach a critical phase in the coming days as Barça attempt to finalize the agreement before the transfer window closes.
