Rodri #16 of Spain
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
According to Fabrizio Romano, FC Barcelona are preparing to submit an improved transfer offer to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, following a definitive update from the player regarding his future.
The 30-year-old Spain international has formally informed the Manchester City hierarchy that he only wants to join Barça this summer, effectively narrowing down his potential destinations and giving the Catalan club a clear advantage in negotiations.
Previous €50 million package rejected
The decision to formulate a new proposal comes after Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s opening formal bid.
The initial package submitted by the Blaugrana board consisted of a €45 million fixed transfer fee, alongside an additional €5 million structured in performance-related add-ons.
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona are set to send their new bid for Rodri as the player has told Man City he ONLY wants Barça.
Barça have zero doubts internally: total confidence and seen as matter of time, working on the final fee. pic.twitter.com/SHCOPabhqb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2026
While City directors turned down the €50 million total package, viewing it as below their internal valuation for the World Cup Golden Ball winner, the direct club-to-club talks have not broken down.
The Cityzens find themselves in a compromised negotiating position because Rodri has officially entered the final 12 months of his contract, meaning they must secure a sale during this transfer window or risk losing him for absolutely nothing next summer.
Behind the scenes, Barcelona’s executive board has zero doubts regarding the ultimate outcome of the transfer saga. Senior figures at the club view the completion of the deal as a mere matter of time.
The sporting department, led by Deco, is currently working on the exact numbers of the final fee to find a structural middle ground that satisfies Manchester City’s demands.
Rodri of Manchester City
Rodri only wants Barcelona. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The club’s massive confidence is fueled entirely by Rodri’s firm stance.
Although the midfielder had previously reached a verbal agreement on contract terms with Real Madrid, the intervention from Barcelona, including daily contact from his Spanish national team teammates, successfully convinced him to choose Hansi Flick’s sporting project instead.
A secret meeting with Deco in Barcelona and some advice from former manager Pep Guardiola also played key roles.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has made it very clear to Manchester City that he only wishes to join Barcelona. It is now only a matter of finalising an agreement over the transfer fee and the payment structure.
Rodri of Manchester City
Rodri of Manchester City