Barcelona must meet £60m price for Rodri as City eyes replacement

Barcelona are looking to plug a midfield void and outpace Real Madrid, so they have opened talks for Spain’s World Cup‑winning captain Rodri. The Catalans must meet Manchester City’s asking price of upwards of £60 million, a sum that could reshape the club’s strategy. Man City have signalled they will only sell if the valuation is satisfied, and the deal would give Barcelona a fresh challenge for the 30‑year‑old.

Rodri has already agreed terms with the Catalans ahead of the new season, confirming his desire for a fresh challenge after lifting the World Cup. The Spain captain’s status as a World Cup‑winning midfielder adds weight to Barcelona’s pursuit.

Manchester City will demand upwards of £60 million if Barcelona are to complete the sensational move this summer. The club’s valuation reflects their recent history of allowing unhappy players to depart when the price is met.

Barca have now instigated talks with City, and the English side’s policy of releasing discontented stars if the fee is right underpins the negotiation.

Rodri had been in negotiations with Real Madrid, but earlier in the week he communicated that Barcelona represented his preferred destination, confirming his shift away from the Spanish rivals.

City sources also indicated they are working on a transfer worth more than £80 million for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, yet they remain ready to land an experienced replacement for Rodri should he leave.

Manchester City have kept an offer of a new contract on the table for Rodri, whose current deal expires next summer, and he is scheduled to link up with Enzo Maresca’s squad next week.

Pep Guardiola had suggested last season that Rodri would not return to his best until the World Cup, after battling various injury problems following a devastating ACL injury two years ago. Rodri underwent back surgery immediately after lifting the World Cup, as revealed by Sport.

Published: 13:00 BST, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 13:01 BST, 7 August 2026.

Barcelona must now meet the £60 million price tag and navigate the remaining contractual details, while City prepare a replacement plan, making the final stages of the transfer crucial.