Barcelona have submitted an improved bid of around €60 million (£51 million) to Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, following an initial €45 million offer that was rejected outright. The new proposal, which may include add-ons, is close to City's valuation for the 30-year-old, who captained Spain to World Cup glory and won the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
Rodri's Preference and City's Contingency
Rodri has expressed a preference for a move to Barcelona, making his departure from Manchester City seem inevitable. In anticipation, City are targeting Chelsea's Enzo Fernández as a potential signing, though Chelsea's valuation of around £120 million may prove too steep. Chelsea are reportedly firm on that price for the attacking midfielder, so any deal could involve add-ons to bridge the gap.
Enzo Maresca, who worked with Fernández for a season-and-a-half at Chelsea before his tenure ended in January, is keen on reuniting with the 25-year-old. Fernández was a key figure in Maresca's team that finished fourth, won the Europa Conference in 2024-25, and lifted the FIFA Club World Cup last summer.
Potential Squad Changes at City
If City were to secure Fernández, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, they might offload another midfielder, with Tijjani Reijnders a possible departure candidate. As Rodri is intent on moving to Barcelona, the arrival of Fernández, Chelsea's captain, would bring seniority and leadership to Maresca's squad, along with a combative style that could add an edge to City's play.
City have already recruited Elliott Anderson for £116 million from Nottingham Forest and are close to signing Ayyoub Bouaddi for around £85 million from Lille. Meanwhile, Chelsea have enquired about Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a potential replacement for Fernández should he leave.
City Announce Rulli Signing
On Wednesday, City announced the signing of goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli on a two-year deal, following James Trafford's move to Leeds. Rulli, an Argentina international who previously played for the club in 2016-17, said: “My job now is to train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can.”
