Manchester City have rejected an opening �38.5m bid from Barcelona for Rodri as the Spanish champions step up their pursuit of the midfielder. Barcelona made their first formal offer on Friday after receiving the players approval to open negotiations, but City value the 30-year-old at more than �60m and are unwilling to sell for the initial proposal.Rodri has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree an extension, fuelling speculation over his future throughout the summer.Real Madrid had long been viewed as the favourites to sign the Spain international, but talks with the European champions have now ended, leaving Barcelona at the front of the queue.Although Barca sources previously suggested there was no guarantee a deal would materialise, discussions with Rodris representatives remain ongoing after the club submitted their opening bid.The Ballon dOr winner endured an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury before later being sidelined by a hamstring problem.However, Rodri returned to his best at this summers World Cup, helping Spain lift the trophy and being named player of the tournament.He is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to rejoin Citys squad in Manchester early next week. Topics FC Barcelona Manchester City F.C. Rodri Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Rodri gives green light to Barcelona move in major snub for Real Madrid Jon Fisher 7th August, 2026 Gavi reveals shocking new pink haircut after fulfilling World Cup pledge Jon Fisher 6th August, 2026 BREAKING: Barcelona make move for Rodri in bid to beat Real Madrid to Spain captains signature Jon Fisher 6th August, 2026 Maresca heaps praise on Manchester City players after first win Mitch Fretton 5th August, 2026 K-League All-Stars 1-3 Manchester City: Report, result and goals as Maresca records first win Mitch Fretton 5th August, 2026 Manchester City explode into life under Maresca with three goals in 20 minutes vs K-League All-Stars Mitch Fretton 5th August, 2026
