Barcelona's push for Rodri has already run into two refusals from Manchester City. The opening offer of £40m was knocked back, then a second bid of £55m was also judged too low. Barcelona are now expected to return with a third offer closer to £60m, and the size of that next move will tell the story of the chase.

Barcelona's bidding position

The numbers explain where the deal stands. One report put Barcelona's second bid at £55m, while another framed it as around €60m. Either way, City have not moved from their valuation. The next package is being discussed as a figure closer to £60m, with one version of the move described as £60m guaranteed plus £10m in add-ons, which would take it to about £70m.

That gap is still the key point. City have already rejected two offers, and Barcelona now have to decide whether they are willing to stretch far enough to make the third bid different from the first two.

City's stance on Rodri

City's position is not hard to read. Rodri is in the final year of his contract, but the club are still treating him like a player they do not want to lose cheaply. He has made 298 appearances for City, scoring 28 goals and registering 32 assists, which is a decent reminder of how much he has given them since arriving.

Enzo Maresca's comments on leadership at the club also fit the broader mood around City. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "Erling was one of the first to send a message when I joined the club". That was about Erling Haaland, not Rodri, but it does show a dressing room where City still expect strong personalities to set the tone.

The stand-off is now about price more than principle. Barcelona have shown they are serious enough to test City twice, while City have shown they are not prepared to accept the first figure that comes along.

The next update should come with Barcelona's third bid, expected to be closer to £60m. If that still falls short, the negotiation stays open and City keep their leverage.

FAQ

Will Barcelona push through another Rodri bid?

Barcelona are expected to return with a fresh bid closer to £60m after Manchester City rejected offers of £40m and £55m. The clubs are still apart on valuation, and the story is now about whether the next package closes that gap.

Why are Manchester City refusing to sell Rodri cheaply?

Manchester City have rejected two Barcelona offers and are holding firm on their valuation. Rodri is in the final year of his contract, but his City record of 298 appearances, 28 goals and 32 assists shows why they do not want to lose him on the cheap.

How much is Barcelona's next Rodri offer expected to be?

Barcelona are expected to return with a fresh bid closer to £60m. Another version of the package has been described as £60m guaranteed plus £10m in add-ons, which would take it to about £70m if incentives are met.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →