via Reuters
Barcelona are preparing another bid to get closer to Manchester City's £75million valuation of Spanish midfielder Rodri, GIVEMESPORT understands.
The Spanish giants had already bid £50million for Rodri, which was rejected by Manchester City, who will not stand in the player's way should the two clubs reach a suitable fee in negotiations.
Barcelona are confident of agreeing a deal, as they have already agreed personal terms with Rodri, who wants to make the move, and he has declared Barcelona his favoured destination despite interest from Real Madrid.
Barcelona have already agreed terms with the Man City star
REUTERS/Daniel Becerril via Action Images
Despite their initial bid being knocked back, the Cataluyna side are optimistic in club-to-club negotiations, and they are prepared to bid higher than their opening offer to secure the Ballon d'Or winner's signature and bring him to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona feel that the deal is progressing well, and with the side potentially having more money coming in, partly due to Ronald Araujo's loan departure to Liverpool, a second offer to Manchester City could be the one that gets the deal done.
Barcelona to get closer to Man City valuation of Rodri
Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Speaking in his GMS newsletter, senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs said: "Manchester City would like about €75million for Rodri, but Barcelona are prepared to go higher than €50million and narrow that gulf in valuation, and they are looking to close this deal for Rodri in the coming days.
"From Barca's perspective, they are really optimistic, not just on the player side, which is already done verbally, but club-to-club as well, so Rodri to Barcelona is progressing."
Rodri has made 298 appearances for Manchester City since joining the side from Atlético Madrid in 2019. His time in Manchester has been a complete success, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, as well as winning the Club World Cup and Champions League.
His time at the club also saw him win the Ballon d'Or in 2024 and become one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation. He most recently won the World Cup this summer with Spain, and he looks set to be on his way back to his home country; his time in Manchester is up, leaving at the same time as manager Pep Guardiola has, as Enzo Maresca has taken the reins at the Etihad Stadium.