CORNERFLICK
Barcelona have received a major boost in their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the Spanish international reportedly opening the door to a potential move to the Catalan giants for the first time.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rodri has informed Barcelona of his willingness to enter negotiations over personal terms. The development represents a significant change in a transfer race that had previously appeared to be led by Real Madrid, who have held talks with the player’s representatives but have so far been unable to complete an agreement.
Barcelona are still approaching the situation carefully. Real Madrid have not formally withdrawn from the race, while Rodri must communicate his final decision directly to Manchester City before negotiations can properly advance. However, the midfielder’s willingness to speak with Barça has given the club genuine hope that one of the biggest transfers of the summer could become possible.
Further reports from Spain claim Rodri has been convinced by the sporting project being built at Barcelona under Hansi Flick. Mundo Deportivo reports that the 30-year-old has given the Catalan club permission to begin discussions with Manchester City, although no final agreement has been reached with either the player or the Premier League club.
That distinction is important. Rodri has not officially signed for Barcelona, there has been no “here we go,” and an agreement between the two clubs remains the biggest obstacle. Nevertheless, Barça have now passed a crucial first stage: confirming that the player would seriously consider wearing the Blaugrana shirt.
Manchester City naturally remain reluctant to lose one of the most influential players in the club’s modern history. Rodri has entered the final year of his contract, meaning City must decide whether to negotiate a sale this summer, convince him to sign an extension, or risk his market value falling further. Reports place the potential transfer fee at approximately €60–70 million, although City could initially demand a higher figure.
For Barcelona, completing the operation would still require careful financial planning. Rodri’s salary, transfer fee and registration would all need to fit within the club’s financial structure. However, the opportunity to sign a Ballon d’Or winner, Champions League champion and Spain captain could force the board to prioritise the deal.
Rodri would provide Barcelona with world-class control at the base of midfield. His positional intelligence, composure under pressure, physical presence and ability to dictate the tempo would make him an ideal fit alongside players such as Pedri, Gavi and Dani Olmo. He would also bring leadership and experience to a squad already filled with elite young talent.
The midfielder’s future has become even more important following Barcelona’s concerns over Frenkie de Jong, who is dealing with a knee problem. Although Rodri’s possible arrival is not believed to depend entirely on De Jong’s condition, the Dutchman’s situation has increased Barça’s desire to strengthen the centre of the pitch.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, now face the possibility of watching their biggest domestic rivals hijack a deal they had been working on for weeks. Los Blancos remain capable of returning with an improved proposal, but several reports now suggest Rodri is increasingly attracted to Barcelona’s project and style of football.
The coming days could prove decisive. Rodri reportedly wants his future resolved before he returns to Manchester City duties on August 13, placing pressure on Barcelona to move quickly if they intend to turn the player’s approval into an official transfer.
Barcelona have been given the green light. Rodri is open to the move. Real Madrid remain nearby, and Manchester City still hold the final negotiating power.
This transfer is far from complete—but the race has just taken its biggest and most dramatic turn yet.