Bild journalist Christian Falk has flatly denied reports that Bayern Munich made contact with Manchester City over Rodri this summer. Barcelona, meanwhile, have moved to the front of the queue for the World Cup winner’s signature. The 30-year-old Spain midfielder is in the final year of his contract at City and is keen to return to his home country, according to multiple reports.
Falk told CFBayern Insider that Bayern’s leadership confirmed there were no negotiations and that no approach was made to Rodri or his representatives. He added that while Rodri is an admired player, Bayern do not currently need him in that role. City’s asking price of around €75m (£64.2m) puts him out of reach for the German club in any case.
Bayern’s Lost Chance in 2019
Falk also shed light on why the transfer never materialised years earlier. Bayern did hold genuine interest in Rodri back in 2019, including secret discussions with Atletico Madrid, but ultimately ran out of funds and signed Lucas Hernández instead. That missed opportunity has made this summer’s situation all the more frustrating for those at the club.
Rodri joined City from Atletico that same year. He has since made 298 appearances, contributing 28 goals. His trophy haul at the Etihad includes four Premier League titles, one Champions League, three EFL Cups, and two FA Cups.
Real Madrid Stall as Barcelona Step In
Real Madrid were the first club to pursue Rodri seriously this summer. But The Guardian reported that talks with his camp stalled after weeks of negotiations. Barcelona seized on that opening, with manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco both speaking directly to Rodri about a move. He indicated he is keen to return to Spain.
City are understood to be willing to let him leave for around £60m, though they have already rejected a Barcelona opening offer of roughly €45m plus add-ons, according to The Athletic. Real Madrid’s current position is a bid of approximately €60m, per Falk.
Barcelona Move Into Advanced Talks
Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs has since reported that Barcelona are closing in on an agreement. Personal terms between club and player are already in place. Negotiations with City over the fee have progressed significantly, with a new offer expected imminently and the package under discussion now exceeding €65m, according to CFBayern Insider.
The deal is gathering pace. Barcelona are also dealing with the long-term absence of Frenkie de Jong through injury, which has added urgency to their midfield recruitment. City, meanwhile, are targeting Ayyoub Bouaddi — the 18-year-old Morocco midfielder at Lille, as a potential long-term replacement, with negotiations already under way on that front.
Rodri won the Golden Ball as the World Cup’s best player after guiding Spain to the 2026 title. Seven years in Manchester. A return to La Liga now looks the most likely outcome.
