Barcelona have moved quickly to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after securing the player’s approval for a move, although their opening proposal has not met the English club’s valuation.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona have offered €45m up front, with a further €10m available in add-ons. Manchester City are not prepared to accept those terms and remain committed to seeking a higher fee for the Spain international.
Manchester City had previously set a €65m asking price in discussions with Real Madrid and continue to hold that figure as their preferred valuation for Rodri. However, there is still room for negotiation between the two clubs.
Rodri could become directly involved in those discussions because of his importance within Manchester City and his influence over the decision about his future. He has earned the right to play a significant part in determining his next move.
Barcelona believe their position is strengthened by the fact that Rodri has only one year remaining on his current contract. The Catalan club also considers the player’s agreement to join them an important factor, arguing that there should be no bidding competition for his signature.
During the initial talks, representatives close to Rodri told Barcelona that Manchester City were targeting a fee of €65m for the midfielder.
Barcelona have established a limit for the guaranteed amount they are willing to pay. That fixed fee will not exceed €50m, although additional performance-related payments could take the overall value of the transfer to close to €60m. Barcelona regard that figure as a fair price for the player.
Despite the gap between the opening offer and Manchester City’s demands, Sport reports that relations between the two clubs are good. The newspaper says the sides could reach a final agreement during the current weekend and complete the transfer.
Barcelona have also been aware of Rodri’s financial expectations. He is among Manchester City’s highest-paid players and already has a contract renewal offer from the club.
The Spanish club have worked on those salary figures and reached a preliminary agreement with Rodri over a contract covering the next four seasons. If the transfer is finalised in the coming days, the midfielder could travel to Barcelona next week.
Manchester City’s continued insistence on a fee of €65m means negotiations must still be completed, but Barcelona’s agreement with Rodri has given them confidence that a deal can be reached. Their preferred structure would keep the guaranteed payment below €50m while using add-ons to bring the final package near €60m.
