Barcelona have made Manchester City an offer of around €45million (£38.6m; $52.1m) plus add-ons for Rodri and are aware their English counterparts would want in the region of €80m to sanction his exit.City regard the level of transfer fee Barca have so far communicated they are prepared to pay as being nowhere near the figure required in order to even begin negotiations over a potential sale.The Premier League side insist no meaningful club-to-club talks are currently taking place, as a bid they consider serious has yet to be made.The Athletic reported on August 6 that Barcelona were exploring a deal for Rodri, with the 30-year-old preferring a move to the Camp Nou over any other club. The Barcelona project appeals to the midfielder due to their footballing style and a dressing room that already contains eight members of Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning squad.Barca’s pursuit came after The Athletic reported on July 24 that Real Madrid were working on a deal for Rodri and had been confident an agreement could be reached.Rodri’s City contract expires in 2027 and he has shown little willingness to extend his terms.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was instrumental in Spain’s 2026 World Cup win and was awarded the Golden Ball following his side’s victory over Argentina in the final.Rodri underwent minor back surgery after the World Cup but is expected to return before the end of August.Is Rodri back to his Ballon d'Or best?Reuben PinderDuring the April international break, Rodri spoke about wanting to return to Spain before the end of his career and play in La Liga again — although he also highlighted the appeal of representing Madrid.Barca’s interest in Rodri comes with the club missing fellow midfielder Frenkie de Jong for the start of the 2026-27 season after he tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.Barcelona have signed wingers Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund this summer, and a new striker remains a target following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has been pursued.For City, meanwhile, it has already been a summer of major change, with Pep Guardiola departing after a decade in charge, alongside long-serving players Bernardo Silva and John Stones.City have strengthened their midfield with the £116million ($155m) signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The Athletic reported on July 14 they were also pushing to sign Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, from Lille, who impressed at the World Cup.Rodri joined City from Atletico in 2019 and has won four Premier League titles, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup on three occasions and the Champions League. He has made 298 appearances for the club, registering 28 goals and 32 assists.He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury at the start of the 2024-25 campaign. He also sustained hamstring and groin issues last season as he featured 33 times in all competitions.Aug 7, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms