Barcelona are preparing a fresh bid for Rodri after Manchester City rejected their opening offer. Fabrizio Romano says the midfielder has told City he only wants Barça, and that is the main reason Barcelona are still pushing. Rodri remains under contract at City until 2027.

Barcelona's confidence comes from Rodri's stance

Romano’s line is blunt: “Barcelona are set to send their new bid for Rodri as the player has told Man City he ONLY wants Barça. Barça have zero doubts internally: total confidence and seen as matter of time, working on the final fee.”

That is the part Barcelona are leaning on. They are not treating this like a normal chase where the buying club just keeps raising the number until the seller gives in. They believe the player has already leaned their way, and that gives them reason to keep going after the first rejection.

The shape of the pursuit also fits that reading. Barcelona finished 1st in La Liga in 2025, while Rodri’s 7.57 season rating across 8 appearances and 745 minutes suggests they are targeting a midfielder who has looked sharp enough to justify the effort.

The fee gap still matters

The money side is still the obvious problem. Sports Mole said Barcelona’s first proposal was £38.6m (€45m), while City wanted closer to £68.5m (€80m) before talks moved on. The BBC later reported Barcelona had increased the bid to £51.4m, which shows the negotiations are moving, just not quickly.

There is also a separate valuation picture around Rodri’s preference. Romano’s reporting says he wants Barcelona only, while other coverage has said Barcelona’s appeal is stronger than Real Madrid’s. That gives Barça a useful negotiating position, but it does not erase City’s price.

City are not dealing with a squad player here either. They finished 2nd in the Premier League in 2025, and Rodri is tied to the club until 2027. That makes this a decision City can resist for now, even if Barcelona keep returning with improved offers.

Romano’s confidence is clear, but the deal is still being worked on. Barcelona have one bid rejected, another in the works, and a midfielder who reportedly wants them. City still hold the contract.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →