FC Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, positioning themselves to hijack Real Madrid’s ongoing efforts to sign the Spain captain, according to reports in the European sporting press. While Manchester City remain hopeful that their influential holding midfielder will put pen to paper on a new contract extension, the Premier League club is reportedly bracing for potential bids as the player enters the final year of his current deal.
Barcelona’s newly galvanized interest exploits this ongoing deadlock, with club officials closely monitoring developments as Manchester City evaluate their valuation for the midfielder, widely thought to be anchored around the £60m mark.
The Contract Deadlock at Manchester City
Manchester City’s hierarchy has maintained an open dialogue with Rodri and his inner circle regarding a fresh extension. Despite weeks of negotiations, an official renewal has not materialized.
Industry reports indicate that Manchester City would demand a fee of approximately £60m should they decide to cash in rather than risk losing him on a free transfer in the future, though retaining his services remains the club’s primary objective.
El Clásico Rivalry Moves to the Transfer Market
Real Madrid initially led the race to secure Rodri’s services as part of their ongoing squad evolution, holding extensive talks with the player’s representatives. However, the failure to reach a breakthrough has allowed Barcelona to re-evaluate their financial capacity and actively enter the conversation.
What Happens Next
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