Barcelona Set to Enhance Bid for Manchester City Midfielder Rodri
FC Barcelona is preparing to present a revised transfer offer to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, as the player has provided a definitive update regarding his future. The 30-year-old Spain international has officially informed City’s management that his sole intention this summer is to join Barcelona, which gives the Catalan club a clear advantage in ongoing negotiations.
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Previous €50 Million Package Rejected
The initiative for a new proposal follows the rejection of Barcelona’s initial bid by Manchester City. The original offer included a €45 million fixed transfer fee, with an additional €5 million based on performance-related conditions.
The City hierarchy deemed the €50 million total package inadequate, seeing it as falling short of their internal valuation for the World Cup Golden Ball winner. However, discussions between the clubs remain open and have not stalled.
With Rodri officially entering the final year of his contract, Manchester City finds itself in a challenging negotiating position, needing to secure a transfer in this window or risk losing him for free next summer.
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High Confidence at Camp Nou
Barcelona’s executive board is confident about the transfer, believing the deal’s completion is only a matter of time. The sporting department, guided by Deco, is currently working on the precise figures needed to create a middle ground acceptable to Manchester City.
Rodri’s strong preference for Barcelona bolsters the club’s optimism. Despite previously reaching a verbal agreement with Real Madrid, Barcelona’s constant contact and support from his Spanish national teammates have swayed him toward a move to Camp Nou.
An intimate meeting with Deco and counsel from former manager Pep Guardiola have also significantly influenced Rodri’s decision.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has clearly communicated to Manchester City his wish to transfer to Barcelona, leaving only the details of the transfer fee and payment structure to finalize.
According to Fabrizio Romano, FC Barcelona are preparing to submit an improved transfer offer to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, following a definitive update from the player regarding his future.
The 30-year-old Spain international has formally informed the Manchester City hierarchy that he only wants to join Barça this summer, effectively narrowing down his potential destinations and giving the Catalan club a clear advantage in negotiations.
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Previous €50 million package rejected
The decision to formulate a new proposal comes after Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s opening formal bid.
The initial package submitted by the Blaugrana board consisted of a €45 million fixed transfer fee, alongside an additional €5 million structured in performance-related add-ons.
While City directors turned down the €50 million total package, viewing it as below their internal valuation for the World Cup Golden Ball winner, the direct club-to-club talks have not broken down.
The Cityzens find themselves in a compromised negotiating position because Rodri has officially entered the final 12 months of his contract, meaning they must secure a sale during this transfer window or risk losing him for absolutely nothing next summer.
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High confidence at Camp Nou
Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s executive board has zero doubts regarding the ultimate outcome of the transfer saga. Senior figures at the club view the completion of the deal as a mere matter of time.
The sporting department, led by Deco, is currently working on the exact numbers of the final fee to find a structural middle ground that satisfies Manchester City’s demands.
Rodri only wants Barcelona. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The club’s massive confidence is fueled entirely by Rodri’s firm stance.
Although the midfielder had previously reached a verbal agreement on contract terms with Real Madrid, the intervention from Barcelona, including daily contact from his Spanish national team teammates, successfully convinced him to choose Hansi Flick’s sporting project instead.
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A secret meeting with Deco in Barcelona and some advice from former manager Pep Guardiola also played key roles.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has made it very clear to Manchester City that he only wishes to join Barcelona. It is now only a matter of finalising an agreement over the transfer fee and the payment structure.
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