Rodri Expected Back at Manchester City as Barcelona Transfer Talks Ongoing
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that Rodri will be returning to Manchester on Friday, despite ongoing transfer talks between Barcelona and City. The 30-year-old midfielder has been absent from City's preseason due to minor back surgery and taking time off after Spain's successful World Cup campaign.
Rodri is expected to report back on August 14 and resume work with Maresca's squad. His return comes at a critical time, as Barcelona are stepping up their efforts to bring him back to Spain. According to The Guardian, Rodri has agreed personal terms with Barcelona after speaking with head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
However, no agreement has been reached between Barcelona and Manchester City, who have already rejected the Spanish champions' opening offer worth around $52 million based on the latest European Central Bank exchange rate. City reportedly considered the offer significantly below their valuation and are seeking a substantially higher fee before allowing Rodri to leave.
Rodri's preference is reportedly to return to Spain, where he has been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid earlier this summer. His potential departure would represent a significant change for City, who won the Champions League in 2023 with Rodri as one of their most influential midfielders.