Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s second bid for midfielder Rodri, according to reports from Spanish outlet SPORT and corroborated by The Times. The improved proposal, worth €60 million plus add-ons that could have pushed the total to €70 million, still fell short of what City are demanding for the 30-year-old Spain international.
City want €80 million. Barcelona are not yet prepared to go that high. That gap is the story.
How the Bidding Has Unfolded
Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri began with an opening offer of around €46 million, which City swiftly dismissed. The Catalan club returned with the improved €60 million package, hoping add-ons would bridge the difference, but City rejected that proposal too, holding firm on their valuation.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Barcelona had submitted the new verbal proposal worth €60 million with performance-related add-ons, and noted that City’s insistence on €80 million left room for a potential compromise somewhere in between, with add-ons likely to be the deciding factor. SPORT had previously reported that Barcelona were unwilling to reach €70 million, though the club now appears to have little choice but to move closer to that figure.
According to Forbes, Barcelona’s preferred landing zone sits between €60 million and €65 million, partly because that range reportedly reflects what Bayern Munich Deny Rodri Approach as Barcelona Push Ahead With €65m-Plus Deal City had previously quoted Real Madrid before those negotiations collapsed. Since Madrid’s exit from the race, Barcelona have been Rodri’s most likely destination.
Rodri’s Contract and City’s Leverage
Rodri’s deal runs until June 2027, meaning he enters the final year of his contract this season. Despite that, City are not applying a discount. As reported by Barca Universal, the Premier League club views his experience and standing in the squad as sufficient justification for maintaining their asking price, regardless of the contract situation.
Rodri himself has made clear he wants to leave and has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona. He won the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball with Spain after featuring in all eight of the tournament’s matches. City have publicly stated they want him to stay and sign a new deal, but his position is equally firm.
Enzo Fernandez Adds Urgency for City
There is a separate but connected subplot. According to The Times, Manchester City have identified Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as their primary midfield target should Rodri depart. Chelsea have set City a deadline of 5pm UK time on Friday to agree a deal for Fernandez, with an asking price of £120 million. City need the financial headroom to complete that move, which gives both clubs a reason to resolve the Rodri situation quickly.
Negotiations are described as entering their final stretch. A structure of around €65 million upfront plus €15 million in conditional add-ons, or a similarly weighted split, appears to be the most likely path to an agreement.
