Barcelona Edges Closer to Signing Rodri as Man City Prepares for His Return
Barcelona is moving closer to signing midfielder Rodri before he rejoins Manchester City training this week. The World Cup winner has attracted strong interest, with Barcelona overtaking Real Madrid in the race for his signature.
The Spanish club initially offered $52 million (£38.5 million), which fell short of City's asking price around $81 million (£60 million). According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's latest bid includes an initial $63.5 million (£47 million) plus add-ons, pushing talks into their final stages as both sides iron out details.
There remains a gap between valuations, but this might be balanced by including a player from Barcelona's squad. Speculation links City with 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués as part of the exchange.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is pressing for a swift conclusion, aiming to have Rodri ready well before the new season begins to settle into the revamped squad.
Enzo Maresca Provides Update on Rodri’s Return to Manchester City
Having helped Spain clinch the World Cup, Rodri's preseason start at City was delayed longer than most. He missed all of assistant coach Enzo Maresca's first preseason phase, which wrapped up ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal on August 16.
Maresca confirmed Rodri is set to return to Manchester by August 14, possibly joining training in some capacity shortly after.
“At the moment, he will be in Manchester,” said Maresca. “There is no update. On Aug. 14 he will be back.”
Quick resolution would benefit both clubs; Barcelona wants Rodri available early to prepare, while City must plan for life without their key midfielder. New signing Elliot Anderson, arriving from Nottingham Forest, has also not featured in preseason after England’s summer campaign. Consequently, minutes have been shared among Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico González.
Reports suggest City is eyeing a high-profile replacement, with links to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. The Argentine, who lost to Rodri's Spain in the World Cup final, is just returning to training and will need time before he can contribute fully.
