Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s opening offer of £38.5m for midfielder Rodri, saying they seek more than £60m. The 30‑year‑old’s contract expires at Etihad Stadium and he has yet to sign a new deal, sparking speculationഡ് about his future.

Barcelona, backed by the player’s approval, entered negotiations after Real Madrid’s interest faded. Rodri missed much of the 2024‑25 season with a serious knee injury and a hamstring problem, but returned to form at the 2024 World Cup, where he helped Spain win and was named 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

The midfielder is currently out after back surgery and will rejoin City teammates early next week. City aims to settle his future quickly to free funds for a replacement, as talks progress on 18‑year‑old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille amid a £86m asking price.

Real Madrid had offered an “irresistible” deal, but the club ended negotiations after Rodri chose a different path, according to his agent Pablo Barquero. City remains open to selling but will pursue a higher fee.