Manchester City have rejected Barcelona’s opening bid for midfielder Rodri, turning down an offer of £38.5 million as the La Liga club pushes to secure the Spain captain’s next move. According to BBC Sport, Barcelona made the initial approach after concluding they had the player’s approval to begin discussions with City, shifting the negotiations into a more advanced phase while City maintain control over the pace and terms of any transfer.
The rejection underlines the scale of the valuation City are seeking for a player who has become central to their midfield structure. Although Barcelona’s offer was made in good faith, City were not prepared to accept the figure on the table, leaving Rodri—who has the final decision to make—still weighing where his career goes from here. The BBC report also pointed to the context behind the interest: Rodri’s form and stature have continued to rise, with the player returning to his peak level after a turbulent period and producing standout performances at international level.
Rodri’s summer with Spain provided a compelling argument for why Barcelona and other major clubs are willing to pay significant sums. The BBC noted that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was back to his best at the World Cup, captaining Spain to their second tournament title and being named player of the tournament. That impact has not only reinforced his reputation but has also shaped how clubs frame the risk and reward of pursuing him—particularly as City weigh how to replace quality while also balancing the financial realities of a deal.
For Barcelona, the challenge now is that their opening bid is only the starting point in a process that City appear determined to price correctly. Reporting from across the market suggests negotiations are moving through stages rather than being resolved immediately. While the BBC described the club’s decision-making and the fact that talks were opened only after Barcelona had the player’s consent, other outlets indicate City’s position is firm: they are looking for a valuation substantially higher than the opening fee.
Forbes’ coverage, drawing on transfer sources, described a pattern consistent with a hard line on valuation. It said City rejected Barcelona’s second offer as well, with the Catalans—after an initial proposal—moving to €70 million with add-ons. Yet City were portrayed as holding out for an €80 million valuation, suggesting the gap between the clubs remains significant and that any agreement would likely depend on how add-ons and structure are negotiated rather than simply raising the headline number. The article also referenced the possibility of compromise, pointing to a range between €60 million and €80 million as a potential middle ground in “final stretch” talks.
Barcelona’s problem is not just the number; it is also how quickly they can reach a deal that satisfies City while allowing them to plan their squad. Market reporting suggests City could be willing to consider an approach where Barcelona invests the funds elsewhere rather than letting Rodri leave on a free next summer, but the Catalans still have to meet the asking price. That dynamic means the negotiations are likely to be as much about timing and conditions as about the base fee.
Additional reporting has framed City’s expectation as around a £70 million valuation. For example, Barca-focused coverage described City rejecting Barcelona bids and setting a higher asking price, asserting City’s stance is anchored to a maximum valuation before any compromise. In that account, City were said to be open to a deal if Barcelona adjust their offer to meet the valuation more closely, implying Barcelona must either add money or reshape the deal with add-ons to bridge the difference.
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports reported that Barcelona have been told to pay £70 million (about €82 million) after a second offer was also rejected, placing the ball firmly back in Barcelona’s court. The same piece added practical detail about Rodri’s situation, stating he was recovering from a back injury and expected to return to City on a Friday to link up with Enzo Maresca’s squad for pre-season as preparations begin for the new Premier League campaign. That schedule detail matters because it signals City’s priority is to keep their roster planning moving even as transfer talks continue.
Rodri’s decision remains the central factor. The BBC reported that Real Madrid appeared to have been his likely next destination before Barcelona gained momentum, with sources telling BBC Sport that Barcelona had the player’s approval to negotiate. It also said City’s dialogue with Rodri’s representatives continued after Friday discussions began, as City made their own move with the opening bid rejection. The process suggests Rodri’s consent is not only about whether a deal can happen, but about how quickly clubs can proceed once they believe the player is genuinely open to relocating.
There is also evidence that other clubs, particularly Real Madrid, reacted to developments. Cadena Ser, as cited by BBC Sport, said Real Madrid were informed of Rodri’s decision on Friday and ended their pursuit to avoid dragging out uncertainty, while acknowledging the “respectful” way negotiations were conducted. That intervention suggests the transfer market’s window for indecision is narrow: once a player clarifies preference, rival suitors may quickly step away, leaving the remaining contenders to negotiate directly with the selling club.
With City rejecting Barcelona’s initial £38.5 million proposal and other reports indicating a higher asking price, the next chapter will likely hinge on whether Barcelona can close the valuation gap without undermining their broader transfer plans. For Rodri, the decision is not only about destination but about the timing—how quickly he can resolve his future and how smoothly he can return to club duties while negotiations run their course.
As negotiations continue, Barcelona’s willingness to improve offers will be tested against City’s determination to hold out for the right price. The outcome will shape both teams’ summer strategies: City seek proper compensation for a World Cup-winning captain at the height of his powers, while Barcelona seek to add a midfield leader whose international resurgence has reaffirmed his value on Europe’s biggest stages.
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