Manchester City have rejected a second bid from Barcelona for Spanish midfielder Rodri, as the Catalan club continues its efforts to bring the experienced midfielder back to LaLiga.
Barcelona reportedly improved its offer after City rejected an earlier proposal. However, Manchester City have again refused to sell the 30-year-old midfielder and are demanding a higher fee.
Barcelona Increase Their Offer
Barcelona’s first bid for Rodri was rejected by Manchester City earlier in the summer. The Spanish club then returned with an improved offer reported to be worth around £51 million (€60 million), including potential add-ons.
City still consider the proposal below their valuation of the midfielder and have rejected the second approach. Reports indicate that Manchester City want around £70 million before they would consider allowing Rodri to leave.
Rodri Interested in Barcelona Move
Rodri is reportedly open to returning to Barcelona, where he spent part of his youth career before beginning his senior professional journey elsewhere.
The midfielder’s experience, passing ability and defensive intelligence have made him an attractive target for Barcelona. The club sees him as a potential solution in midfield as it continues to strengthen its squad.
However, Rodri’s preference alone will not complete the transfer. Barcelona must still convince Manchester City to lower their asking price or submit an offer that meets the English club’s valuation.
Manchester City Want to Keep Rodri
Manchester City are reluctant to lose one of their most important midfielders without receiving a substantial transfer fee.
Rodri remains a key player for the club despite the growing uncertainty surrounding his future. New manager Enzo Maresca has avoided giving a definitive answer about whether the Spain international will leave this summer.
Maresca recently said that anything could happen before the transfer window closes, while also confirming that Rodri has returned to training after recovering from back surgery.
Barcelona Face a Difficult Negotiation
Barcelona now face a decision over whether to make another offer for Rodri.
The club must balance its desire to sign the midfielder with Manchester City’s financial demands. Increasing the bid could make the transfer possible, but Barcelona will need to decide whether the player is worth the reported asking price.
For City, selling Rodri would also create a major gap in midfield.
Manchester City Consider Midfield Alternatives
Manchester City have already been linked with other midfielders as they prepare for possible changes to their squad.
The club has reportedly shown interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández and has also been working on the signing of young Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
However, these moves do not necessarily mean Rodri will leave. City could still decide to keep the Spanish midfielder for the upcoming season.
What Happens Next?
Barcelona are expected to continue monitoring the situation. The club could return with another offer if Manchester City remain willing to negotiate.
For now, though, City’s position is clear: the second Barcelona bid has been rejected, and the English club want a significantly higher fee for Rodri.
The transfer saga could continue until the final stages of the summer window, with Rodri’s future remaining one of the major stories of the European transfer market.
