Barcelona are hoping to reach an agreement with Manchester City within the next 48 hours to sign Spain midfielder Rodri, although financial differences between the clubs mean the deal is taking longer than expected.
According to Marca, Barcelona and Manchester City had initially intended to complete the transfer by next Friday. However, negotiations over the financial terms remain unresolved, prompting concern among those involved that the proposed timetable may not be met.
Barcelona remain confident Rodri will play in the Blaugrana jersey during the 2026-27 season and believe the transfer can still be concluded this week. Despite that optimism, no executive at the Spanish club is currently prepared to guarantee that an agreement will be reached within 48 hours.
There is particular uncertainty over whether the deal will be completed before Rodri is due to return to Manchester City’s training camp. Maresca said a few days ago: “For now, he will be in Manchester on Friday.”
Talks between the clubs are continuing, with regular communication and a positive atmosphere reported during the negotiations. Barcelona have already reached an agreement with Rodri, according to Marca, but the transfer fee and other financial details are still holding up the move.
Barcelona made an offer of 50m euros for the midfielder several days ago. That proposal was rejected by Manchester City, who are seeking a fee of about 70m euros for the 30-year-old Madrid midfielder, whose contract has one year remaining.
The Catalan club are understood to be trying to negotiate a final package worth between 60m and 65m euros, with additional variable clauses included. Both sides are attempting to reduce the difference in their valuations and make concessions on certain terms.
Although Barcelona do not rule out completing the transfer during the next two days, a deal is considered unlikely to be finalised today. Club officials are increasingly aware that the available time is limited, even though discussions between the two sides remain constructive.
Rodri is aware of the details of the negotiations and understands that he is likely to move to Manchester. He has played for Manchester City since 2019.
The situation is not expected to develop at the same time as the agreement involving Barcelona and Ferran. The Valencia forward asked not to return to Barcelona training today because he is completing a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Rodri’s position could still change depending on the progress made in the coming hours. If negotiations advance significantly, it is possible he may not train with Maresca, even if he has not yet completed his Barcelona medical. The outcome will depend on how quickly the clubs can resolve the remaining issues.
For now, both Barcelona and Manchester City are working against the clock, with the transfer fee still the main obstacle to an agreement.
