Barça wants to close the signing of Rodri as soon as possible. At the Camp Nou offices, they are aware of the strategic importance of bringing in the MVP of the last World Cup, leader of Manchester City for the past seven years, which is why the Barça sports management, led by Deco, began negotiations with Manchester City yesterday. There is no time to lose in trying to reach an agreement after the player stood up Real Madrid and decisively chose the Barça club.
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Conversations started very early, always with good harmony, between the different parties. This is a different negotiation, due to the good relationship Barcelona maintains with Ferran Soriano, one of the key men at the English club and a familiar figure in the Barça environment. Additionally, City is not known for going against the wishes of its players and has made it clear at all times to the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner that if the right offer comes, he could leave.
British media highlighted at midday that City was demanding around 70 million euros
Despite this, the first Barça proposal, around 45 million euros, was rejected by the English club. British media highlighted at midday that City was demanding around 60 million pounds (70 million euros) for the player. The gap was evident, but not insurmountable.
Beyond the figures both clubs are pursuing, the key is Rodri. The player decided he wants to play at Barça, understanding that this is the next step that best suits his career. His will will be decisive in the progress of the talks.
Barça’s agreement with the midfielder is set at around 15 million per season for four years
Barça’s agreement with the midfielder is set at around 15 million per season for four years. A long-term contract, if the signing is finally completed, which would allow Barça to spread the cost of the operation over a longer period.
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Rodri is on vacation in Ibiza while recovering from a back operation. After having many physical problems in the last two years due to the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in September 2024, he still has no estimated return date, so it is likely he will miss the start of the league.
Blow to Real Madrid’s flotation base
In Madrid, the blow from Rodri’s refusal has been especially hard. What was supposed to be a day of celebration for the most expensive signing in their history (they paid 125 million for Diomande) ended up as a disappointment. Rodri was the player they needed and who had already agreed to talk with Real Madrid after reaching an agreement with Enrique Riquelme during the elections. However, when it came time to choose, Rodri opted for Barça.
The feeling among Madrid fans is that they have lost a player who should have been key for a midfield lacking creativity. The truth is that Rodri never quite became a player to Florentino Pérez’s liking. The midfielder also seems not to have forgotten the criticism that appeared from the capital after he received the Ballon d’Or in 2024 ahead of Vinícius. Fitting into a locker room that last season was marked by conflicts also raised doubts for the player.
Hierarchy and experience for the locker room
For Barça, Rodri would be a great signing due to the experience he would bring to a very young locker room. His personality and hierarchy would allow the team to take a quality leap in big matches. Hence the urgency to reach an agreement. If achieved, they will have one of the best midfielders in the world and will have won another battle against Madrid
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