Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri
Manchester City have turned down an opening offer from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri
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Manchester City have rejected an offer from Barcelona for Rodri as they hold out for more than £60million for the World Cup winning midfielder. The club will not force Rodri to stay for the final year of his contract but will not let their Ballon d’Or winner leave on the cheap. Rodri’s future has been in doubt for some time and attempts from City to tie him down to a new deal have been unsuccessful. The club had hoped to convince him even after the World Cup, only for the player to decide he wanted a new challenge.
Real Madrid changed their transfer plans for the midfielder after he was named the best player for Spain at the summer tournament, only for Barcelona to make a successful pitch. The Catalan club are now in pole position to sign him - but City will not let the 30-year-old go for below their valuation.
A fee of more than £60m has been demanded and Barcelona’s original offer fell well short of that. City expect the Catalan club to return, but also expect a significantly higher offer. The Blues are also intent on replacing Rodri and anybody else who could depart their squad this month before the transfer window shuts. With a move for Ayyoub Bouaddi being pursued in addition to any replacements, the club are determined to back up their January transfer business to give Enzo Maresca the best possible chance of success as he takes over from Pep Guardiola.
City have so far signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club record £116million deal and the England international will bolster the midfield.
But Rodri's departure would create another void while Tijjani Reijnders could also depart with the Netherlands international attracting interest from Nottingham Forest.
Should both those midfielders exit the Etihad, City will look to secure two replacements in addition to the potential signing of Morocco international Bouaddi.