Rodri is pushing for his proposed move from Manchester City to Barcelona to be completed as soon as possible, with the midfielder hoping to join Hansi Flick’s squad when the club’s international players return to training on 12 August.
The Spain international wants to avoid losing valuable time adapting to Barcelona’s plans before the start of the new season. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Rodri is currently on holiday in Ibiza with his family and has left negotiations in the hands of his agent, with talks described as having made significant progress.
Barcelona were already aware of the player’s conditions for joining the club, as well as the likely course of negotiations with Manchester City. After securing Rodri’s approval, the Catalan club activated all the documentation required to formalise their agreement with him and submitted an official offer to Manchester City.
Rodri has asked for the transfer to be settled quickly because he wants to begin training with Barcelona on 12 August alongside the rest of the club’s returning internationals. He does not want to waste time during the period required to adapt to his new team, particularly before the demands of the new campaign increase.
The player is hopeful that Barcelona and Manchester City can reach an agreement soon, with the difference between their positions understood not to be substantial. He has also informed Manchester City’s board that he wants to wear Barcelona’s colours during the current season.
Rodri remains highly regarded at Manchester City and is considered a popular figure within the club because of his professionalism. The English side is expected to make his departure easier, although it remains determined to receive what it considers an appropriate financial return for the midfielder.
If the transfer is completed swiftly, Rodri plans to travel directly from Ibiza to Barcelona. He also wants the opportunity to say goodbye to Manchester City’s supporters and staff when circumstances allow.
The midfielder is in good physical condition and has almost recovered from the minor back operation he underwent. However, he will still need to regain match sharpness, as will the other returning internationals, before he is ready to perform at his best.
Rodri believes he will be in peak condition for a season that will demand the highest levels of fitness. He has long viewed Barcelona as the best sporting option for the next stage of his career, despite interest from Real Madrid.
At one stage, an agreement was not reached, prompting Rodri to ask his agent to tell Barcelona that he was available to join them. The club did not hesitate to pursue the deal and accepted the financial terms requested by the player.
Rodri has assurances that he will be registered normally in La Liga. His first appearance could nevertheless be delayed until September, because the returning internationals are expected to arrive without full physical preparation. Hansi Flick is also keen not to risk selecting any player before they have reached complete fitness.
