Barcelona Set to Launch Second Bid for £100m Man City Star Rodri
FC Barcelona are preparing to submit an improved transfer offer to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 30-year-old Spain international has formally informed Manchester City that he only wants to join Barcelona this summer.
The Catalan club's decision to formulate a new proposal comes after Manchester City rejected their initial €50 million package. The package consisted of a €45 million fixed transfer fee, alongside an additional €5 million structured in performance-related add-ons.
Rodri has made it clear to Manchester City that he only wishes to join Barcelona. The midfielder had previously reached a verbal agreement on contract terms with Real Madrid, but the intervention from Barcelona, including daily contact from his Spanish national team teammates, successfully convinced him to choose Hansi Flick's sporting project instead.
A secret meeting with Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, and some advice from former manager Pep Guardiola also played key roles in Rodri's decision. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner has made it very clear to Manchester City that he only wishes to join Barcelona.
Barcelona's executive board has zero doubts regarding the ultimate outcome of the transfer saga. Senior figures at the club view the completion of the deal as a mere matter of time.
Manchester City find themselves in a compromised negotiating position because Rodri has officially entered the final 12 months of his contract. They must secure a sale during this transfer window or risk losing him for absolutely nothing next summer.
The sporting department at Barcelona is currently working on the exact numbers of the final fee to find a structural middle ground that satisfies Manchester City's demands. With Rodri's firm stance and Barcelona's confidence, the completion of the deal seems increasingly likely.
The outcome of the transfer saga will be closely watched by football fans around the world. Rodri's decision to choose Barcelona over Manchester City has significant implications for both clubs and their respective ambitions in the transfer market.
Barcelona's bid for Rodri is expected to be submitted in the coming days, with the Catalan club confident about securing the deal. The transfer saga is far from over, but one thing is clear: Rodri only wants to join Barcelona.
Source: Yahoo Sports