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Following two unsuccessful attempts to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Barcelona have reportedly submitted a third offer worth approximately $81 million (£60 million) for the 30-year-old.
Fans across Catalonia had already begun celebrating Rodri's imminent arrival after the newly crowned World Cup winner turned his back on Real Madrid in favor of the defending Spanish champions. However, transfer dealings at Barcelona are rarely ever simple.
The club, which is said to have already reached a personal agreement with Rodri, had previous bids of $52 million (£38.5 million) and $69.3 million (£51.3 million) turned down by City. Recent reports suggest the English club values the Golden Ball recipient at $94.5 million (£70 million).
Eager to push the deal through, MARCA reports that Barcelona have now tabled a third proposal, with a total package valued at up to $81 million (£60 million). While it still falls short of City's reported asking price, the improved offer has both parties believing an "agreement is closer."
Mundo Deportivo adds that Barcelona are "certain" they will complete the signing of Rodri this summer, with a deal expected to be wrapped up "no later than next week."
Enzo Maresca Weighs in on Rodri's Future
As both clubs continue their back-and-forth at the negotiating table, Rodri has linked up with City ahead of their clash with reigning English champions Arsenal in Sunday's Community Shield. The Spanish international rejoined his teammates, new and old alike, and had a reunion with new manager Enzo Maresca.
The former Chelsea head coach was quizzed about Rodri's situation and remained characteristically guarded in his reply. "The transfer window is open, we can buy and sell players," Maresca said.
"Anything can happen. I just saw Rodri now in the building, I gave him a big hug. He looks good. Let's see what happens."
City had previously been connected with Maresca's former favorite Enzo Fernández as a possible successor to Rodri. Chelsea reportedly set a firm deadline for any bids for the Argentine midfielder, but that date passed without any move from City.
The English club already splashed out significantly to acquire Elliot Anderson this summer and continue to be linked with Moroccan sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi. Maresca also has Nico González, Mateo Kovačić and Tijjani Reijnders at his disposal, though the latter is widely expected to move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah.
Managing without Rodri will be no easy task. Over the past nine years, the only season City failed to win silverware was 2024–25 — the very campaign in which Rodri was absent due to an ACL injury.
Are Barcelona Focused on the Wrong Signing?
Barcelona entered the summer transfer window in a relatively strong position in midfield. Hansi Flick boasts a well-stocked engine room, with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Marc Casadó, Dani Olmo and Eric García all available, alongside promising youngsters Tommy Marqués and Xavi Espart.
However, De Jong's recent knee setback prompted the club to act swiftly. All of a sudden, the defending Spanish champions were fully committed to luring Rodri away from Real Madrid — and they successfully convinced the Madrid-born midfielder to opt for the Camp Nou over the Bernabéu.
Barcelona have spent the weeks following the 2026 World Cup in pursuit of Rodri, while more pressing issues have been left unaddressed. The Catalans still lack a striker to fill the void left by Robert Lewandowski and now Ferran Torres, who has since joined Paris Saint-Germain.
They have made minimal headway in their attempts to prise Julián Alvarez away from Atlético Madrid and are now scrambling to identify an alternative. The squad could also use reinforcement at center back, having yet to find a replacement for Iñigo Martínez since his departure last summer. Ronald Araújo has also headed to Liverpool on a season-long loan.
Yet the club's complete attention has been directed toward landing Rodri. There is no doubt the Spaniard would enhance an already formidable squad, but Barcelona have more urgent issues to address — and the window to do so is narrowing fast.