Barcelona in Talks for Rodri, City Demands €80 Million
The arrival of the Ballon d'Or winner would seriously threaten the Dutch midfielder's position in Hansi Flick's squad, as the clubs differ in their financial expectations.
The arrival of the Ballon d'Or winner would seriously threaten the Dutch midfielder's position in Hansi Flick's squad, as the clubs differ in their financial expectations.
Barcelona has officially initiated negotiations with Manchester City over the transfer of midfielder Rodri, the current Ballon d'Or winner, as confirmed on August 7, 2026. The Catalan giants see the arrival of the Spanish international as a strategic move, but they are already facing a significant financial hurdle at the outset, as the two clubs' valuations of the transfer differ drastically.
According to information shared by specialized journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona is prepared to offer around €50 million for a player whose contract with the English champions expires next summer. However, a source close to the English club, Athletic, claims that Manchester City is demanding nearly double that amount for their key player-€80 million.
Despite the initial disagreement, sources indicate that relations between the two clubs are good, and it is expected that the final figure will land somewhere in the middle of the negotiating path. Barcelona has also prepared a lucrative personal contract for Rodri, which would bring him around €20 million net per season, making him one of the highest-paid players in La Liga.
While waiting for news from the negotiation rooms, Barcelona is already analyzing the personnel puzzle. Goal.com reports that Rodri's arrival would completely change the hierarchy in midfield and create unexpected problems for Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman arrived at preseason with a knee injury sustained during his holiday, which sparked anger within the club, especially from coach Hansi Flick.
The medical team diagnosed a rupture of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Although surgery was initially considered, which would have sidelined him for four months, conservative treatment lasting about two months was ultimately chosen. However, if recovery does not go as planned, surgery will be inevitable.
Rodri's arrival in the defensive midfield position would significantly reduce De Jong's playing time. With Pedri as a guaranteed starter, Flick prefers a more offensive third midfielder, such as Dani Olmo or Fermín López. Also in rotation are Marc Bernal, who plays in the same position as Rodri, and Gavi, which could completely push De Jong out of the starting lineup.
The financial situation further complicates matters. Goal.com notes that a potential De Jong surgery and prolonged absence would allow the club to free up space under the strict salary cap imposed by La Liga. Although the departure of Robert Lewandowski has already improved the financial picture, Barcelona will need to find additional room in the wage budget, especially if they also decide to bring in a striker of Julian Alvarez's caliber, an option mentioned in Spanish media.
While Rodri arrives in full fitness after minor back surgery, De Jong will certainly not be ready for the start of the season. His high salary and uncertain future at the club increasingly point to a scenario where he could become the biggest loser of this major transfer.
