Barcelona's pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri remains one of the biggest developing stories of the 2026 summer transfer window, with the Catalan club continuing negotiations after seeing another offer rejected. Manchester City have turned down Barcelona's latest £55 million bid for the Spain international.
The Premier League club is reportedly seeking more than £60 million for the 30-year-old, while Barcelona remain determined to complete a deal before the transfer window closes. Importantly, Rodri has not joined Barcelona, and no transfer agreement has been reached. He remains a Manchester City player while negotiations continue.
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Why Barcelona Want Rodri
Barcelona's interest is easy to understand. Rodri remains one of Europe's most accomplished defensive midfielders, offering excellent positional awareness, passing range, defensive strength and an ability to control the tempo of matches.
His experience in possession-based football also makes him a natural fit for Barcelona. Having spent years playing under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Rodri is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, dropping between defenders and helping his team control possession.
A midfield containing Rodri alongside players such as Pedri could give Barcelona an excellent combination of defensive security and creativity. Rodri is also coming off another major international achievement after captaining Spain during their successful 2026 World Cup campaign.
Why Manchester City Are Reluctant to Sell
Manchester City's position is complicated by Rodri's contract. The midfielder's current deal expires in June 2027, meaning he has entered the final year of his contract. City must therefore decide whether to convince him to sign an extension, sell him this summer or risk allowing his contract to run down further.
Barcelona initially submitted an offer worth around £40 million, which City rejected. The Spanish champions then returned with an improved £55 million proposal, but that has also fallen short of City's valuation.
For City, the issue is not simply Rodri's age or remaining contract length. Replacing a midfielder of his quality immediately before another demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign would be extremely difficult. That is why City continue to value him at more than Barcelona have offered.
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Rodri's Fitness Is Another Factor
Rodri recently underwent minor back surgery after experiencing persistent discomfort following the World Cup. Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that the midfielder has returned to training, although his recovery remains something both clubs will need to consider while negotiations continue.
His recent injury history could influence Barcelona's financial calculations, particularly if City's asking price rises significantly above £60 million. However, there has been no suggestion that Barcelona have ended their interest because of his fitness.
Could Barcelona Increase Their Offer?
That is now the biggest question surrounding the deal. Barcelona have already increased their proposal once and remain interested despite City's rejection. Reports indicate that negotiations are continuing, meaning another bid before the transfer deadline remains possible.
Barcelona have also generated additional funds through the confirmed sale of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €50 million, although there is no confirmation that the Ferran money has specifically been reserved for the Rodri transfer. City, meanwhile, will have to weigh the value of keeping Rodri for another season against the financial risk created by his contract situation.
Will Rodri Join Barcelona?
Transfer status: Ongoing negotiations
Latest Barcelona bid: £55 million – rejected
Manchester City valuation: More than £60 million
Rodri contract: Until June 2027
For now, the transfer remains a developing negotiation rather than a completed deal. Barcelona clearly want Rodri and have already submitted two offers, but Manchester City have shown they will not allow one of their most important players to leave cheaply.
The next Barcelona bid could determine whether the clubs are capable of reaching an agreement. If Barcelona move beyond the £60 million mark, City's position could face a serious test. If they refuse to significantly increase their offer, Rodri may remain at the Etihad while questions surrounding his contract continue into the new season.