Barcelona steps up talks with Manchester City for Rodri amid fee dispute
Barcelona intensifies negotiations with Manchester City to sign Rodri, as both clubs seek a swift agreement despite disagreements over the transfer fee.
Key Takeaways
AIBarcelona is continuing negotiations with Manchester City to sign midfielder Rodri, as the Catalan club pushes to finalize the deal as soon as possible, according to media reports.
Spanish daily MARCA reported that Rodri has decided to join Barcelona, preferring them over Real Madrid. However, Manchester City has rejected an initial offer from Barcelona worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons.
Reports indicate that talks between the two clubs are ongoing, with both sides aiming to reach a quick agreement. Nevertheless, the same sources suggest that a deal remains distant, and the situation is less advanced than some reports have claimed.
Financial dispute and intensive negotiations
According to the newspaper, a meeting is expected in the coming hours between Deco and Hugo Viana, the sporting directors of Barcelona and Manchester City, in an effort to break the deadlock and reach an agreement.
MARCA also reported that Manchester City is demanding at least €70 million to part with Rodri, while Barcelona is currently unwilling to meet that price. The newspaper noted that financial incentives could prove decisive in completing the transfer.
It added that Deco and Viana will work to accelerate negotiations, especially as Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is eager to have Rodri available as soon as possible. However, doubts remain over whether a quick agreement can be reached, with the player still needing to undergo a medical and several details yet to be finalized.