Barcelona Close to Signing Rodri; Enzo Maresca Shares Update on Return to Man City
Rodri's future at Manchester City looks uncertain as Barcelona edges closer to securing his transfer. The midfielder, who recently won the World Cup with Spain, is set to return to City training soon, but talks suggest he may be moving on.
Barcelona outpaced Real Madrid in the pursuit of the World Cup winner but stumbled initially, with an opening bid of $52 million (£38.5 million) rejected by City, who value Rodri closer to $81 million (£60 million). According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s latest proposal includes an upfront $63.5 million (£47 million), plus add-ons, pushing negotiations into the final stretch to hammer out details.
The gap between the clubs' valuations might be bridged by including a Barcelona player in the deal. Rumors connect City with 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués as part of the exchange.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s manager, is pressing club officials to finalize the agreement swiftly, aiming to have Rodri ready for preseason preparations with the revamped squad ahead of the new campaign.
Enzo Maresca Confirms Rodri’s Return Date to Manchester City
After claiming the World Cup title with Spain, Rodri’s comeback to preseason activities has been delayed. He missed all of Enzo Maresca’s initial preseason matches, which concluded recently before the Community Shield clash against Arsenal on August 16.
Maresca shared that Rodri is expected back in Manchester by August 14. “There is no new update. On August 14 he will be back,” he said, suggesting Rodri might still feature for City before any transfer is completed.
Both clubs have reasons to seal the deal promptly. Barcelona wants Rodri integrated early for maximum impact, while City must accelerate their planning for life after the influential midfielder.
Meanwhile, new signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest has also yet to feature in preseason due to his England duty. This has given more playing time to Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico González during preparation matches.
Reports hint that City could pursue a high-profile replacement, possibly reuniting Maresca with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder, who lost to Rodri’s Spain in the World Cup final, is just returning to training and will need time to settle into his new team this season.
