Huge Rodri Update as Barcelona Push to Complete the Deal

Rodri to Barcelona: Deal Enters Final Stages as Barça Push to Complete €70M+ Transfer

FC Barcelona are getting closer to completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer, with negotiations for Manchester City midfielder Rodri now reportedly entering their final stages.

After days of negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City, the operation has accelerated significantly. According to Matteo Moretto, Barça are now aiming to close the transfer in the coming hours, with the total package expected to be worth more than €70 million when the fixed fee and add-ons are combined.

The deal is not official yet, but the latest developments suggest that the two clubs are closer to an agreement than at any previous point in the negotiations.

Barcelona have increased their offers

Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri has developed rapidly over the past week.

Manchester City rejected previous approaches from the Catalan club. Sky Sports reported on August 14 that City had turned down a fresh bid worth around £55 million and were looking for a figure above £60 million before agreeing to sell the Spanish midfielder. (Sky Sports)

The Guardian also reported that City had rejected two Barcelona offers and valued Rodri in the region of £60-65 million, while the player was understood to be interested in making the move to Barça. (The Guardian)

Barcelona, however, have continued negotiating rather than walking away.

Cadena SER reported that Barça were preparing another proposal around the €70 million mark after City rejected an earlier €60 million offer. (Cadena SER)

Now, the latest information from Matteo Moretto indicates that discussions have reached the final stages, with a package exceeding €70 million being discussed.

Rodri’s desire could be crucial

One of the biggest factors pushing the operation forward has been Rodri’s position.

Multiple reports have indicated that the midfielder is open to joining Barcelona, while The Guardian reported that he is keen on the possibility of moving to Camp Nou. (The Guardian)

There have also been reports that Barcelona have already made significant progress on the player’s side of the operation, leaving the agreement between the two clubs as the main obstacle.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have publicly avoided confirming that Rodri will remain at the club. Asked about his future ahead of the Community Shield, new City manager Enzo Maresca refused to give guarantees and said that transfer situations can still change before the window closes. (Reuters)

Rodri has returned to Manchester and resumed work with City following his recovery from back surgery, although his transfer situation remains unresolved. (Reuters)

Why Barcelona want Rodri

For Barça, Rodri would represent much more than another midfield signing.

The Spanish international has established himself as one of the world’s elite defensive midfielders and recently captained Spain to the 2026 World Cup title, winning the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Manchester City confirmed the individual award following Spain’s triumph. (Manchester City FC)

His ability to control possession, dictate the tempo and provide defensive stability would give Barcelona an experienced presence at the base of the midfield.

Rodri would also arrive with enormous experience at the highest level after years competing for major trophies with Manchester City.

For a Barça squad containing several young midfield talents, his leadership could be equally important. Football analyst and author Martí Perarnau has suggested that Rodri could take on the type of experienced leadership role at Barcelona that Fernandinho once provided for him during his early years at Manchester City. (Cadena SER)

Manchester City preparing for life without Rodri?

There are also indications that City have been exploring midfield alternatives while negotiations continue.

The Guardian reported that City have considered Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández among their options, although Chelsea’s valuation has complicated that possibility. (The Guardian)

City have already significantly strengthened their midfield this summer, with Reuters reporting that they signed Elliot Anderson for £116 million. (Reuters)

None of this confirms Rodri’s departure, but City’s activity in the midfield market comes at a significant moment as Barcelona continue pushing for an agreement.

What happens next?

The situation now appears to be approaching its decisive phase.

Barcelona have progressively improved their proposals, Manchester City have maintained their valuation, and the difference between the clubs has narrowed.

According to the latest report from Matteo Moretto, Barça are hoping to complete the operation in the coming hours for a package worth more than €70 million including add-ons.

There is still an important distinction to make: Rodri is not officially a Barcelona player yet. No transfer agreement has been announced by either FC Barcelona or Manchester City.

But after several rejected bids and days of negotiations, the Rodri saga has reached its most advanced point yet.

If the final agreement is reached, Barcelona would be completing one of the statement signings of the summer — bringing the Spanish World Cup-winning captain and one of football’s leading midfielders to Camp Nou.

Rodri to Barça is closer than ever. Now, Barça are waiting for the final green light.