Transfer Market: Manchester City Rejects New Barcelona Bid for Rodri, Sets Final Price

Rodri's transfer to Barcelona continues to hit roadblocks. According to Sport, Manchester City has rejected a second offer from the Catalan club, valued at €60 million fixed plus €10 million in variables. City remains steadfast in its demand for €80 million to release the midfielder, despite him having only one year left on his contract.

The English club is pushing the situation to the limit, even after the player has reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona. Manchester City's objective is to secure the €80 million mark, even if part of that value is achieved through difficult-to-meet performance-related clauses. According to The Times, this need for a high-value sale is linked to financial fair play regulations, as the Manchester club aims to pursue the signing of Enzo Fernández, the former Benfica player now at Chelsea.

Despite Manchester City's latest refusal, negotiations are not considered over. Barcelona is preparing a final proposal, banking on the crucial support of Rodri, who has already informed his current club of his desire to leave the Premier League. The Blaugrana's ultimate offer could reach €65 million fixed, with an additional €10 million in variables. Of these, €5 million would be considered likely to be achieved, with the remaining €5 million being more challenging to meet. It is believed that an offer structured this way might finally convince Manchester City to yield.

This new offer is expected to be formalized in the coming hours, with the hope of reaching an agreement in principle that would allow Rodri to avoid reporting for pre-season in Manchester. The player is due to join the squad on Friday, but would prefer to travel directly to Barcelona, although nothing is guaranteed in the final (and most demanding) stages of negotiations.

Despite their firm negotiating stance, Manchester City appears to have already accepted the Spanish international's departure. While they had previously stated they wouldn't mind keeping him for the final year of his contract, their market movements suggest otherwise. The English club is reportedly negotiating the signings of two midfielders, Bouaddi and the aforementioned Enzo Fernández.

Aware of Barcelona's financial efforts, Rodri has facilitated personal contract negotiations, foregoing sums that Real Madrid would have paid him. His decision is based on sporting and personal reasons, and the midfielder is doing everything in his power to ensure the move materializes. Within the Catalan club, there's a feeling that, despite the difficulties, the positions are now close enough for an agreement to emerge at any moment.