Manchester City rejects Barcelona’s bid for midfielder Rodri

Manchester City have turned down Barcelona’s opening offer for Rodri, setting the stage for what could become one of the summer’s most drawn-out transfer sagas. The Spanish midfielder, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder on the planet, is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has made it clear he wants to go home.

What Barcelona offered, and why City said no

Barcelona’s initial bid reportedly came in below the €65 million figure that Manchester City have been targeting. City sources have signaled a willingness to sell, but only at the right price, somewhere in the neighborhood of £60 million. The gap between what Barca put on the table and what City want was wide enough to produce a swift rejection.

The 30-year-old has reportedly already agreed on personal terms with Barcelona and given the Catalan club the green light to negotiate on his behalf. It means this isn’t a case of Barcelona throwing darts at a board. Rodri is actively steering his future toward the Camp Nou.

The Real Madrid wrinkle

Barcelona isn’t the only Spanish giant that’s been circling. Real Madrid have maintained long-standing interest in Rodri, and discussions between Madrid and both the player and Manchester City have been ongoing in recent weeks. Those talks, however, have reportedly stalled.

Rodri’s decision to greenlight Barcelona’s approach effectively leapfrogs Barca ahead of their eternal rivals.

What Rodri means to City, and what losing him would cost

Rodri has been an integral part of Manchester City’s success since his arrival from Atlético Madrid in 2019, playing a key role in helping the club secure multiple Premier League titles and their first Champions League trophy. His return from a serious knee injury sustained during the 2024-25 season has been a storyline in itself. The fact that Barcelona are willing to make a significant financial commitment to a 30-year-old midfielder coming back from a major knee problem speaks to just how highly he’s regarded across European football.

The £60 million asking price might actually represent a pragmatic discount given what Rodri brings to the table. City know this, which is why they’re holding firm rather than accepting whatever lands on the table first.

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