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Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening £38.5 million bid for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, with the Premier League champions demanding more than £60 million.
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The Spanish midfielder is entering the final year of his contract, while Barcelona have emerged ahead of Real Madrid in the race for his signature.
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Rodri’s future has become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, with City already exploring replacement options as negotiations continue.
August 07, (THEWILL) — Manchester City’s Rodri has become the centre of one of this summer’s biggest transfer battles after Barcelona officially entered the race for the Spain international. Although the Catalan giants have already seen their first offer rejected, the midfielder’s future remains unresolved with only a year left on his contract.
Here are the four biggest talking points surrounding the transfer saga.
1. Manchester City Reject Barcelona’s Opening Bid
Barcelona’s first move for Rodri has already hit a major obstacle after Manchester City turned down a £38.5 million offer.
While City are prepared to listen to offers, the Premier League champions believe the Ballon d’Or winner is worth significantly more and will not negotiate below their valuation.
The rejection marks the beginning of what could become one of the transfer window’s biggest negotiations.
2. City Want More Than £60m as Contract Clock Ticks Down
Although Rodri is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, City are determined not to sell cheaply.
The club reportedly value the 30-year-old at more than £60 million and are keen to resolve his future before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona’s interest comes after Real Madrid’s pursuit reportedly ended, with Rodri believed to have chosen a different path, leaving the Catalan giants as the leading contenders for his signature.
ALSO READ: Barcelona Reach Agreement With Rodri As Manchester City Talks Enter Decisive Stage
3. Barcelona Now Lead the Race for Rodri
For much of the summer, Real Madrid appeared favourites to sign the Spain midfielder following his impressive FIFA World Cup campaign.
However, reports indicate Rodri opted against a move to the Spanish champions, opening the door for Barcelona to make their move.
The Catalan club have already begun negotiations with City, but they will now have to return with a substantially improved offer if they hope to complete the deal.
4. Rodri’s World Cup Heroics Have Only Increased His Value
Despite enduring an injury-hit period that included serious knee, hamstring and back problems, Rodri reminded the football world of his quality on the biggest stage.
The midfielder played a key role in guiding Spain to FIFA World Cup glory and was named Player of the Tournament, reinforcing his reputation as one of the world’s elite midfielders.
His performances have only strengthened City’s negotiating position, even as the club reportedly begins planning for life after him by exploring a move for highly rated Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Rodri’s future is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of the transfer window. Barcelona have made the opening move, Manchester City have responded with a firm rejection, and negotiations are expected to continue. Whether Barcelona return with an improved bid or City convince Rodri to stay, the outcome could have a major impact on the balance of power in European football next season.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
