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Negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City regarding World Cup champion Rodri look set to continue for some time, with a Spanish report outlining the full financial scope required to secure the midfielder's services.
City are reportedly holding firm at $94.5 million (£70 million) for Rodri, dismissing Barcelona's second offer of $69.3 million (£51.3 million) and making it abundantly clear they have no intention of letting their prized World Cup winner leave on the cheap.
Despite being the only club in the running for Rodri, Barcelona are finding it difficult to get a deal across the finish line. While the gap between both clubs' valuations isn't enormous, a closer look at the total cost of the package required to sign him may shed light on some of the complications.
According to AS, once additional costs such as wages and agent fees are factored in, Barcelona are looking at a total commitment of $242 million for Rodri across a four-year deal.
For a player who recently celebrated his 30th birthday and has dealt with injury concerns of late, that represents a colossal outlay and one that compels Barcelona to tread carefully.
Barcelona Need Exits Before Being Able to Strike Blockbuster Deals
While Barcelona have returned to La Liga's 1:1 spending rule—allowing them to spend €1 for every €1 generated—their financial situation still demands careful maneuvering.
Funding the Rodri package is not the central issue. Rather, the challenge lies in creating room under La Liga's salary cap to register new arrivals. Neither Anthony Gordon nor Karim Adeyemi have been assigned squad numbers as yet, indicating they remain the latest signings stuck in registration limbo.
To free up space for incoming players, Barcelona must offload some of their existing wage obligations. Ronald Araújo's loan departure to Liverpool was a meaningful step in that regard and will have significantly impacted the club's finances, though it won't be sufficient on its own.
Ferran Torres's anticipated transfer to Paris Saint-Germain will also provide considerable relief, but with Gordon and Adeyemi still awaiting registration and Barcelona eyeing a much-needed striker addition, it may still fall short.
Héctor Fort and Marc Casadó are also expected to move on. Winger Roony Bardghji had been likely to leave in some form before suffering an ACL injury.
Any additional financial breathing room should enable Barcelona to wrap up deals for Rodri and other targets, though they may be in a race against the clock before the transfer window shuts.