Rabat – Barcelona’s opening bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri has reportedly been turned down, with the Premier League side holding firm on its valuation of the Spanish international, according to Sport.
The Spanish outlet reports that Barcelona submitted an offer worth €45 million plus €10 million in add-ons, but City rejected the proposal, insisting on a fee closer to €65 million.
According to the report, the Catalan club has no intention of exceeding €50 million in guaranteed payment, although it is willing to increase the overall value of the deal through performance-related bonuses to bridge the gap between the two clubs.
Sport claims Barcelona have already reached a preliminary agreement with Rodri over a four-year contract after receiving the midfielder’s approval to join the club.
The report also suggests that the 30-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, could become directly involved in negotiations to help facilitate the transfer.
Barcelona reportedly believe they are in a favorable position, with no expectation of a bidding war for the midfielder.
According to Sport, Rodri’s representatives had already informed the Spanish champions of City’s asking price, and both sides are now working on a strategy to convince the English club to reach an agreement before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report further states that Real Madrid had previously been close to signing Rodri before talks broke down.
Sport attributes the collapse in negotiations to Madrid’s reported refusal to increase an offer of around €40 million, prompting the midfielder to reconsider his options.
Barcelona are said to have capitalized on the situation by presenting a more ambitious approach, with Sport describing the club as optimistic and that negotiations with City could progress in the coming days.
