Barcelona remain confident they will complete the signing of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, despite having an opening proposal rejected, according to respected transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
The Catalan club are not understood to be concerned by the initial setback and believe the transfer can still be completed. Barcelona are expected to return with an improved offer for Manchester City in the near future as they continue negotiations over the Spain international.
Romano reports that Rodri has also made his preference clear to Manchester City’s leadership. The midfielder has told the club’s senior figures that he wants to leave the Premier League side and move to Barcelona.
That stance is central to Barcelona’s confidence over the proposed deal. Although their first offer was turned down, the club do not believe the rejection has ended their pursuit of the player. Instead, they are preparing to make a better proposal in an attempt to reach an agreement with Manchester City.
Barcelona’s belief in the transfer means the club are not treating the failed opening bid as a reason to abandon negotiations. Their next move will be an improved offer, with Rodri’s reported desire to join the Spanish club strengthening their position in the discussions.
The midfielder’s intention to move has been communicated directly to the Manchester City hierarchy, according to the report. No details have been provided about the value of either the rejected proposal or the offer Barcelona plan to submit next.
The new Spanish football season is scheduled to begin in the second half of August. Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, are due to start their campaign away from home against Elche on 23 August.
That fixture is the first confirmed piece of the club’s immediate competitive schedule mentioned in the report, while talks over Rodri continue during the build-up to the new season. Barcelona’s objective is to secure the transfer before then, but the deal remains subject to an agreement with Manchester City after the first bid was rejected.
For now, Barcelona’s position is one of confidence rather than panic. The club believe Rodri can still be signed, and their planned response to Manchester City’s decision is to increase their offer. The player’s stated wish to join Barcelona is also expected to remain an important factor as the negotiations develop.