Barcelona prepare a third bid for Rodri after Manchester City rejected two offers, with talks continuing over a potential €80m transfer

Barcelona are preparing a third offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the Catalan club continuing negotiations with Manchester City on Friday, August 14, 2026, over a transfer that could reshape both clubs’ midfield plans.

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The Spanish side have already had two proposals rejected, with the latest offer understood to have been worth around €60m. Barcelona remain determined to reach an agreement, while Manchester City are understood to want a figure closer to €80m.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Barcelona are returning with a third proposal after the €50m and €60m approaches failed to satisfy City.

The latest discussions are expected to focus on finding a compromise between Barcelona’s most recent offer and Manchester City’s valuation. Reports suggest the next Barcelona proposal could be worth around €70m, potentially structured as €60m in guaranteed payments plus €10m in add-ons.

The negotiations have developed rapidly since Barcelona made their first approach. Manchester City initially rejected an offer of about €45m, with the English club making clear that they would expect a substantially higher figure before considering Rodri’s departure.

Barcelona subsequently increased their proposal to approximately €60m, but City rejected that offer as well. The difference in valuation has therefore remained the principal obstacle to an agreement.

Rodri’s position is an important part of the developing transfer story. Reports indicate that the Spain international is keen on a return to Spain and has favoured a move to Barcelona, giving the Catalan club encouragement as negotiations continue.

The 30-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an extraordinary spell at Manchester City since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2019.

Rodri has played a central role in City’s domestic and European success, including four Premier League titles and the club’s 2023 Champions League triumph.

His standing has risen further after an outstanding international year. Rodri recently helped Spain win the World Cup and was named the tournament’s player of the tournament, increasing the attention surrounding his future.

Manchester City’s position, however, remains significant. The club are not obliged to accept Barcelona’s valuation and are understood to have established a price around €80m for the midfielder. Other reports put City’s current demand at about £70m.

City’s preparations for the possibility of Rodri leaving have also attracted attention.

The club have invested heavily in midfield this summer, including the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, while they are also pursuing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The moves do not necessarily mean Rodri’s departure has been agreed, but they provide context to the growing expectation that Manchester City are preparing for several possible changes in midfield.

Rodri was also expected to return to Manchester City training on Friday after his post-World Cup break.

Manager Enzo Maresca had previously indicated that the midfielder would return this week despite the transfer speculation.

For Barcelona, the financial side of the operation remains equally important.

The club are working to balance their ambitions in the transfer market with the cost of acquiring one of Europe’s most influential midfielders.

Barcelona have also been involved in negotiations over the departure of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports in Spain say the deal could generate around €50m, potentially giving the Catalan club additional room to pursue Rodri.

The potential signing would also address a significant midfield need for Barcelona.

Rodri’s experience, defensive intelligence and ability to control the tempo of matches would offer the club a proven presence at the base of midfield.

For Manchester City, losing such an influential player would represent a major sporting decision, even if a substantial transfer fee were secured. Rodri has been one of the defining figures of the club’s most successful era.

That makes the next stage of negotiations particularly important.

Barcelona appear ready to increase their offer again, while City continue to hold firm on Rodri’s valuation.

With the two clubs already having rejected and revised proposals, the gap may ultimately be small enough for further talks to produce an agreement.

For now, no final deal has been reached.

Also read: Leicester City Put Up For Sale For £200m

But with Barcelona preparing a third bid and Rodri’s preference reportedly favouring a return to Spain, the transfer saga has entered a decisive phase.