Sports jounralist Fabrizio Romano's latest update has added further momentum to Rodri's potential move from Manchester City to Barcelona, with reports suggesting that the eventual deal could be worth around £60 million.
Barcelona are increasingly confident about getting the transfer over the line, although Manchester City's rejection of an opening £38.5 million bid suggests negotiations are only getting started.
The BBC reported that City have rejected Barcelona's first offer for the 30-year-old midfielder but remain open to selling him for more than £60 million. That figure appears to be closer to City's valuation, meaning the £38.5 million proposal could represent the first round of talks rather than Barcelona's final attempt to sign the player.
ALSO READ: Who Is Rodri? Meet The FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball Winner Who Led Spain To Glory
Rodri has entered the final year of his Manchester City contract and is yet to agree a new deal. His future has been a major talking point this summer, with Real Madrid previously considered the most likely destination; that picture has now changed.
Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders after receiving Rodri's approval to open negotiations with City. The Catalan club have also been in discussions with the midfielder's representatives before submitting their opening offer.
Reports from Spain indicate that Rodri has decided to favour Barcelona over Real Madrid. Cadena Ser, citing his agent Pablo Barquero, reported that Real Madrid had made what was described as an "irresistible" offer after Spain's World Cup triumph.
The Madrid talks had progressed positively, with senior figures at the club, including president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, pushing to complete the deal. However, Rodri ultimately chose another option, prompting Real Madrid to end their negotiations.
For City, the timing of Rodri's situation is significant. The midfielder missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury, while a hamstring problem also disrupted parts of last season. He nevertheless returned to his best level at the World Cup, where he helped Spain win their second title and was named player of the tournament.
Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester next week.
With the transfer window approaching its second week of August, City are keen to resolve his future quickly, particularly if they need to bring in a replacement.
ALSO READ: Rodri Out: Setback For Man City Campaign As Midfield Maestro Is Set To Undergo Back Surgery
The club are already negotiating with Lille for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, but Lille's reported £86 million asking price remains a major obstacle.
Barcelona's first offer has, therefore, been rejected, but the latest developments suggest the Rodri saga is far from over.
With the player's preference reportedly leaning towards Barcelona and City looking for a substantially higher fee, the next round of negotiations could determine whether a deal moves closer to the £60 million mark or beyond.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.