Updated / Friday, 7 Aug 2026 14:58
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Rodri is a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid
Manchester City have rejected Barcelona's €45million opening bid for key man Rodri, according to reports.
The 30-year-old only has a season remaining on his deal at the Etihad Stadium and has been strongly linked with a return to Spain.
Real Madrid had hoped to sign Rodri but Barca have moved ahead in the race for his signature, although their opening bid in the region of €45m was rejected out of hand by City.
Enzo Maresca’s side are understood to instead want around €80m for a player who last month not only won the World Cup but was named player of the tournament.
Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, playing a part in four Premier League title triumphs and the 2023 Champions League victory during a success-laden period under former boss Pep Guardiola.
The midfielder won Euro 2024 and that year’s Ballon d’Or, only for a serious knee injury to rule him out of much of the 2024-25 campaign.
Rodri managed 33 appearances in all competitions last term before heading to the World Cup with Spain.
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