Manchester City have turned down an offer from Barcelona for Rodri, demanding more than £60 million for the World Cup-winning midfielder. The club will not force the 30-year-old to stay for the final year of his contract, but they are determined not to let their Ballon d'Or winner leave on the cheap.
Rodri's Future in Doubt
Rodri's future has been uncertain for some time, with City's attempts to secure him on a new deal proving unsuccessful. The club had hoped to convince him to stay even after the World Cup, but the player has decided he wants a new challenge.
Real Madrid had adjusted their transfer plans for the midfielder after he was named the best player for Spain at the summer tournament, but Barcelona made a successful pitch to the player. The Catalan club are now in pole position to sign him, but City will not let him go below their valuation.
Barcelona's Offer Falls Short
City have set a fee of more than £60 million, and Barcelona's original offer fell well short of that. The Premier League club expects Barcelona to return with a significantly higher bid. City are also focused on replacing Rodri and any other players who could leave this month before the transfer window closes.
In addition to pursuing a move for Ayyoub Bouaddi, City are determined to strengthen their squad to give new manager Enzo Maresca the best chance of success. Maresca is taking over from Pep Guardiola.
City's Transfer Activity
City have already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a club-record £116 million deal, and the England international will bolster the midfield. However, Rodri's departure would create another void, and Tijjani Reijnders could also leave, with the Netherlands international attracting interest from Nottingham Forest.
If both midfielders exit the Etihad, City will look to secure two replacements in addition to the potential signing of Morocco international Bouaddi.
