Manchester City Reject Barcelona’s £38.5m Bid for Rodri as Talks Continue

Both sides continue talks to find compromise

Manchester City have rejected Barcelona's initial offer of £38.5 million (€45m) for Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, Rodri, who is keen to return home after Pep Guardiola’s departure. The 30-year-old, now in the final year of his contract at City, has agreed personal terms with Barça and is expected to relocate to his homeland.

City are set to demand a minimum asking price of £60 million before allowing Rodri to depart. Despite their concerns over losing such a key player, they remain confident that discussions will eventually lead to an agreement. Barcelona is eager to bring the Morocco star back after negotiations with Real Madrid failed this week.

Barcelona has targeted Rodri as a replacement for the injured Frenkie de Jong and believes he could significantly bolster their midfield. The Spanish champions are prepared to offer him minor surgery on his back, which will cause his absence from Manchester City during most of pre-season training.

Will Real Madrid also try for Rodri?

To balance its books after signing Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella, alongside other players, Real Madrid might consider pursuing a central midfielder like Rodri. However, José Mourinho is reportedly unhappy about being