Manchester City open to selling Rodri

Manchester City have told BBC Sport they are open to selling midfielder Rodri this summer, but only if they receive an offer worth more than £60m. Barcelona’s growing interest has pushed the Spanish champions toward the front of the race, with sources confirming the Catalan club has the player’s approval to begin formal talks. The 30-year-old Spain captain is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and has yet to agree to a new deal, making his future one of the most closely watched stories of the transfer window.

Why is this happening now? Rodri missed large parts of last season with a serious knee injury and a recurring hamstring problem, but he returned to top form by leading Spain to victory at the World Cup in June. His performances earned him the player of the tournament award and the 2024 Ballon d’Or. With his stock at its highest, City see a chance to cash in while Barcelona’s need for a midfield upgrade has become urgent. The two clubs are now in advanced discussions, and City want to move quickly before the August 31 deadline.

City are also preparing for life after Rodri. They are in talks to sign 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, but the French club’s £86m asking price is proving a major hurdle. Meanwhile, Real Madrid appears to have stepped back after reportedly making Rodri an “irresistible” offer shortly after the World Cup. According to Spanish radio network Cadena Ser, Real Madrid’s president Florentino Pérez and executives handled the approach with “courtesy and respect,” but Rodri has since chosen a different path and Real have ended their pursuit.

City will aim to wrap up Rodri’s sale within days to free up funds and time to find a replacement. Barcelona’s willingness to meet City’s valuation could decide the outcome, while Rodri himself holds the final say on his next club. The move would mark a significant shift in Manchester City’s midfield dynamics and could reshape the balance of power in English football.