Man City reject £38.5m Barcelona bid for Rodri
Manchester City have rejected an opening bid of £38.5m (€45m) from Barcelona for Spain midfielder Rodri according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Catalan giants launched their opening move for the 30-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but the offer was turned down out of hand by the Premier League club. City are understood to value the midfielder significantly higher, seeking a figure closer to £60m-£68.5m (€80m) to consider selling before the transfer window closes.
Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and earned the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament at the 2026 World Cup, has reportedly indicated a desire to return to his homeland rather than sign a contract extension in Manchester. Real Madrid had also shown strong interest in the Spanish star, but Rodri has made clear that his preference is a move to Barcelona.
City remain reluctant to lose a key figure in their recent success without receiving full market value. If Barcelona fail to reach an agreement before the end of the window, Rodri would be eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January, leaving City at risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, Rodri has won four Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League. After overcoming a knee injury that disrupted his 2024-25 season, his commanding displays on the global stage this summer have reignited intense debate over his future, with Barcelona eager to secure his signature for the upcoming campaign.
