Manchester City demand €70m for Rodri as Barcelona talks stall

Barcelona’s proposed move for Rodri remains unresolved after Manchester City rejected an opening offer worth €50m for the Spain midfielder.

The two clubs are continuing negotiations over a possible transfer, with Manchester City understood to be seeking at least €70m before they agree to release the player. Barcelona, however, are not currently prepared to meet that valuation, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Rodri has made his preference clear and wants to join Barcelona next season. He has turned down approaches from Real Madrid, while also rejecting Manchester City’s offer to extend his contract.

Despite reports suggesting that Barcelona and Manchester City had already reached a final agreement, no deal has yet been concluded. The negotiations remain active, but the gap between the two clubs’ financial expectations means an agreement is not considered imminent.

Barcelona’s initial proposal was worth €50m, an amount Manchester City rejected. The English club are holding firm on their demand for a minimum of €70m for the Spanish midfielder, while Barcelona continue to operate with a lower financial limit.

The clubs are expected to hold further discussions in the coming hours. Barcelona sporting director Deco is due to meet Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana as both sides attempt to narrow the difference in their valuations and find terms acceptable to both parties.

One possible part of the solution could involve performance-related variables in the transfer agreement. Barcelona are keen to keep the overall cost below Manchester City’s asking price, while the English club remain determined to protect the value they place on Rodri.

Deco and Viana are working to accelerate the talks, with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick keen for Rodri to join his squad as soon as possible. The urgency is also linked to the club’s plans for the player to begin training with Barcelona alongside the rest of the Spain internationals.

Rodri had been expected to report for training with Barcelona on Wednesday. However, that now appears difficult because negotiations between the two clubs are still ongoing and several elements of the proposed transfer remain unsettled.

The player would also have to complete a medical before the move could be finalised. Until that process takes place, and the remaining details are agreed and approved, Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona cannot be considered complete.

Although Barcelona and Manchester City maintain a good relationship, that has not yet been enough to produce a breakthrough. The central dispute remains the transfer fee, with Barcelona’s €50m proposal falling short of Manchester City’s minimum demand of €70m.