Manchester City have reportedly rejected Barcelona’s opening bid for Rodri. The transfer saga involving the Ballon d’Or-winning Spanish midfielder started with Real Madrid. Los Blancos were reportedly keen for his signature after Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as part of the champion team. However, things have taken a drastic turn in the last few days, with Barcelona emerging as the front-runner. According to reports, Rodri has given the green light to the Catalan side after the Real Madrid deal collapsed.
Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that club-to-club negotiations remain underway between Manchester City and Barcelona. While the player has already approved the move, the defending La Liga champions are now discussing Rodri’s transfer fee, which could be more than £60 million.
Barcelona See Rodri Bid Rejected By Man City
FC Barcelona submitted an initial offer worth £38.5 million for Rodri, which did not go down well with Manchester City. The Premier League club won’t accept any bid less than £60 million, as reported by the BBC. Romano, on the other hand, claimed that the Barcelona representatives are in direct talks with the City officials and hope to seal the deal in the coming days. However, they must increase their offer for the World Cup winner.
🚨🔵🔴 The negotiations between Barça and Man City for Rodri are underway; direct talks between officials rather than formal proposals.
Man City won’t accept package close to €50m offered by Barça; already working on new proposal to get green light.
Rodri only wants Barça. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/JbrFw4VzQa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2026
Fans not happy with Barcelona’s approach
As soon as the report surfaced online, fans lashed out at Barcelona management, referring to their underwhelming offer for Rodri. Many feel £38.5 million would be too little to sign a player of his stature. The La Liga side also needs to keep the financial limitations in mind.
However, internal sources claim that Barcelona are determined to make the transfer happen this summer. They have already signed Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, and Hansi Flick could have another Premier League star in this squad in the 2026-27 season.
Rodri, who has won more than 10 trophies with Manchester City, including the Premier League and the Champions League, appears to be looking forward to a new challenge on home soil after leading the Spain national team to their second World Cup title.
