Manchester City reject Barcelona's £38.5m Rodri bid, demand £60m+
Synopsis
Barcelona thought £38.5 million would open the door for Rodri — Manchester City slammed it shut. With the Ballon d'Or winner in the last year of his contract and City demanding £60 million-plus, this standoff could define the final weeks of the transfer window and force both clubs into expensive contingency plans.
Key Takeaways
Manchester City have rejected Barcelona's opening bid of around £38.5 million for midfielder Rodri .
City value the Ballon d'Or winner at more than £60 million ; Rodri is in the final year of his contract.
Real Madrid are no longer considered contenders for Rodri's signature.
Rodri is recovering from back surgery and is expected back in training in Manchester next week.
City have identified Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) as a potential successor, though Lille's asking price is reportedly around £86 million .
Manchester City finished second in last season's Premier League , narrowly behind Arsenal .
Manchester City have reportedly rejected Barcelona's opening offer of around £38.5 million for Spain midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League club valuing the Ballon d'Or winner at upwards of £60 million. The rejection adds fresh uncertainty to one of the most closely watched transfer sagas of the current window, with Rodri entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and yet to agree an extension.
Barcelona's Pursuit and Real Madrid's Exit
According to reports, Barcelona accelerated their move for the 30-year-old after receiving encouragement from the player's camp to open formal discussions. Real Madrid, who had earlier been linked with the midfielder, are no longer considered active contenders for his signature. Despite the La Liga champions' renewed push, City's valuation has so far proved a significant stumbling block.
Rodri's Form and Fitness
After an injury-disrupted stretch over the past two seasons, Rodri returned to his commanding best on the international stage at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year. He was central to Spain's title-winning run — controlling matches with his composure, range of passing, and defensive discipline — and was named the tournament's Best Player after helping his side lift the trophy. He is currently recovering from back surgery performed last month and is expected to rejoin City's training setup in Manchester next week.
City's Transfer Timeline and Succession Plan
Manchester City are understood to be keen to resolve Rodri's future before the transfer window enters its closing weeks, ensuring they have adequate time to source a replacement should he leave. The club finished second in last season's Premier League table, missing the title by the narrowest of margins to Arsenal.
City have reportedly identified Lille's highly rated 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential long-term successor. However, negotiations over Bouaddi are complicated by Lille's reported asking price of approximately £86 million — a figure that underscores just how expensive the midfield market has become.
What Happens Next
With the transfer window approaching its final stretch, both clubs face mounting pressure to reach a resolution. If City hold firm on their valuation and Barcelona fail to raise their offer, Rodri could conceivably run down his contract — a scenario that would represent a significant loss of value for the Premier League side. How quickly Rodri returns to full fitness from his back surgery may also influence the urgency and direction of talks.
Point of View
And every week without resolution strengthens Rodri's hand in any renewal negotiation. The Bouaddi contingency is telling — at a reported £86 million, City's succession plan costs more than their asking price for the man being replaced. That arithmetic suggests City's real preference is a renewal, not a sale, and the £60 million-plus valuation may be less a genuine price than a deterrent.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Manchester City reject Barcelona's bid for Rodri?
Manchester City rejected Barcelona's opening offer of around £38.5 million because the club values the Ballon d'Or winner at more than £60 million. Rodri is in the final year of his contract, and City want fair market value before considering any sale.
What is Rodri's current contract situation at Manchester City?
Rodri has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree fresh terms. This makes him one of the most closely watched players in the current transfer window.
Is Real Madrid interested in signing Rodri?
Real Madrid are no longer considered active contenders for Rodri's signature, according to reports. Barcelona are currently the only major club in active pursuit of the Spanish midfielder.
Who is Ayyoub Bouaddi and why is he linked to Manchester City?
Ayyoub Bouaddi is an 18-year-old Morocco midfielder at Lille, identified by Manchester City as a potential successor to Rodri. Negotiations are complicated by Lille's reported asking price of around £86 million.
When is Rodri expected to return to training?
Rodri is recovering from back surgery performed last month and is expected to rejoin Manchester City's squad in Manchester next week as he continues his rehabilitation.
