Barcelona make move on Rodri, Man City hold him tight
Manchester, August 9
While FC Barcelona are inching closer to signing Manchester City star Rodri, the English football giants are still keeping him tight, with the manager Enzo Maresca saying that "he will be in Manchester next Wednesday".
The current La Liga champions have already put out their second offer for the Spanish FIFA World Cup-winning star, while Man City are holding out for 80 million euros, as per Goal.com.
As per Spanish newspaper 'Sport' as quoted by Goal.com, City boss Enzo said, "At the moment, it seems that Rodri will be in Manchester next Wednesday."
Enzo had remarked on the player's contractual situation, and untill the move is settled, Rodri will stay with City and stick with their schedule. Enzo is counting on the Man City star as long as he officially is with the club.
Within the Barcelona camp, there have been extra moves made to bring the Spanish star to the team, and they want to bring him as quickly as possible so that he can adjust into Hansi Flick's system without delay, and Flick personally is reported to want him immediately.
Flick's goal is to have Rodri to have him within the camp by August 12, a date that demands that the move progresses quickly if Rodri is to come to Barcelona without further hold-ups.
Enzo's comments should not be read, as per Goal.com, as an obstacle to the transfer, and they are merely how things stand as of now. Once City gives the green light, Rodri will get his moment to say goodbye to the club and move to Spain.
Rodri is a four-time Premier League winner, a one-time UEFA Champions League winner and a two-time FA Cup winner with Manchester City. He also won the Ballon d'Or in 2024.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, Rodri is world-class. But with Barcelona's financial troubles lately, how are they even affording this? Seems like every summer they pull some magic trick. Let's see if La Liga clears this one.
As a neutral fan, this transfer saga is fascinating. Man City's stance is clear, but let's not forget Rodri's own wishes. If he wants to go to Spain, these negotiations will eventually work out. Business as usual in football.
I've followed Rodri since his Atletico days. His rise has been meteoric. If Barcelona gets him, their midfield becomes scary good. Also, Hansi Flick demanding him by August 12 just shows how crucial he is for their system. 🔥
Wait, 80 million for a 28-year-old? He's great, no doubt, but that's a lot of money. City knows they hold the cards. Reminds me of how they dealt with the Bernardo Silva rumors last year. Smart, calm, and firm.
The Premier League is losing its biggest stars to other leagues lately. First Mbappe to Real Madrid, now potentially Rodri to Barca. English football needs to do more to keep this level of talent. That said, Barca's urgency makes sense.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.