Manchester City Reject Barcelona’s Bid for Rodri

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 9, 2026

Manchester City has rejected Barcelona's initial £38.5 million bid for midfielder Rodri, insisting the player's value exceeds £60 million despite less than a year remaining on his contract. This refusal highlights the ongoing challenging negotiations as Barcelona seeks to strengthen their squad while Manchester City holds firm on a higher transfer fee.

Manchester City has rejected an initial bid from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, as negotiations over the player’s future continue. The Spanish World Cup winner and former Ballon d’Or recipient, currently 30 years old, remains under contract with Manchester City for less than a year.

Barcelona, the reigning LaLiga champions, submitted an offer valued at £38.5 million, which Manchester City officials promptly dismissed. The club’s management considers Rodri’s market value to be significantly higher, reportedly exceeding £60 million. City’s stance reflects their assessment of the midfielder’s importance to the squad, despite the limited time left on his contract.

Rodri has been a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield since joining the club, contributing to their domestic and international successes. Meanwhile, Barcelona is believed to be eager to secure the player’s services to bolster their own midfield lineup.

The ongoing situation underscores the broader dynamics in the summer transfer window, where clubs navigate contract durations, player demands, and financial considerations. Manchester City is prepared to wait for an improved proposal before entertaining any talks about a potential transfer.

Barcelona’s interest suggests their desire to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining competitiveness both in Spain and Europe. However, it remains to be seen whether they will increase their offer to meet Manchester City’s valuation or explore alternative targets.

As of now, no further public statements have been made by either club regarding the negotiations. The outcome is likely to depend on forthcoming discussions and Barcelona’s willingness to meet Manchester City’s asking price for Rodri.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.