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Manchester City have reportedly rejected Barcelona’s latest offer for Spain midfielder Rodri.
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City want an €80 million package, including €70 million guaranteed, to sanction the 30-year-old’s departure.
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Rodri was left out of City’s Community Shield squad, fuelling speculation that his move to Barcelona is now close.
August 16, (THEWILL) — Manchester City have reportedly set their final demands for Rodri as Barcelona step up their efforts to sign the Spain midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old has emerged as one of Barcelona’s major targets and is understood to have prioritised a return to La Liga after seven years in England.
City are believed to have rejected Barcelona’s latest proposal, which was reportedly worth €70 million in total. The offer consisted of €60 million guaranteed, with a further €10 million available through bonuses.
However, Manchester City are said to want an improved package worth €80 million, including €70 million guaranteed, before they agree to let their midfield star leave.
Despite the difference in valuation, negotiations appear to be progressing positively, with both clubs reportedly confident that an agreement can be reached.
Barcelona sporting director Deco and City counterpart Hugo Viana are understood to be in discussions over the structure of the deal, with the transfer potentially being concluded as early as Monday.
The timing has been given further significance by Rodri’s absence from City’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal.
The Spain international was not included in City’s matchday squad for the fixture, with reports also suggesting he did not travel with the team.
His absence has intensified speculation that he has already played his final match for the club.
Rodri has spent seven seasons at Manchester City since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
During that period, he developed into one of the world’s leading defensive midfielders and became a crucial figure in City’s domestic and European success.
He was also instrumental in Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph, further increasing his value and profile ahead of a potential move.
The midfielder has previously spoken openly about his desire to return to Spain at some stage of his career.
He stated, “I would like to return to LaLiga, yes, of course,” Rodri said before the World Cup. For me, LaLiga is where I started.”
Rodri also acknowledged that his future at City would eventually need to be discussed, particularly with his contract situation approaching a decisive stage.
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He said, “I have one year left on my contract. There will come a point when we’ll have to sit down, talk, and discuss things.”
Barcelona’s interest represents a major opportunity to bring the World Cup winner back to Spanish football, while Rodri would provide the Catalan giants with an experienced midfield leader capable of controlling games at the highest level.
For City, however, the priority is to ensure they receive an acceptable financial return for one of their most important players.
With Barcelona reportedly willing to increase their offer and City setting a clear asking price, the next few days could determine whether Rodri begins a new chapter at Camp Nou or remains in Manchester for another 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
