Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Manchester City reject Barcelona's opening bid for Rodri
Rodri is a famous footballer who plays for Manchester City in England and for Spain's national team.
Barcelona, another big team from Spain, wants to buy him.
Barcelona offered Manchester City about £38.5 million for Rodri.
Manchester City said no, because they think Rodri is worth more than £60 million.
Rodri only has one year left on his contract, which is why other teams are trying to sign him.
He was named the best player at the FIFA World Cup and helped Spain win the trophy.
Right now, Rodri is recovering from back surgery from last month.
He is expected to rejoin his teammates in Manchester next week.
If Rodri leaves, Manchester City may buy a young midfielder named Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, but he is very expensive.
That is why people are watching this transfer story closely.
Manchester City have reportedly rejected Barcelona's opening bid of around £38.5 million ($52 million) for Spain midfielder Rodri.
City value the Ballon d'Or winner at more than £60 million, with reports suggesting they want about £68 million.
Barcelona pursued the 30-year-old after encouragement from the player's camp, while Real Madrid are no longer considered contenders.
Rodri was named Best Player at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year after helping Spain win the title.
City have identified Lille's 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential successor, though Lille want around £86 million.
- Who
- Manchester City, Barcelona, and Spain midfielder Rodri
- What
- Barcelona's opening bid of around £38.5 million for Rodri was rejected by Manchester City, who value him at more than £60 million.
- When
- During the ongoing transfer window, with Rodri in the final year of his contract.
- Where
- Manchester, where Rodri plays for Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with negotiations involving Barcelona in Spain.
- Why
- City want to resolve Rodri's future early enough to secure a replacement if he departs and believe he is worth far more than the offer.
Barcelona's Position
Manchester City's Position
Rodri's transfer value
Barcelona's Position
Barcelona submitted an opening bid of around £38.5 million after receiving encouragement from the player's camp to begin negotiations.
Manchester City's Position
Manchester City value the Ballon d'Or winner at more than £60 million and rejected the bid outright.
- Reported bid
- Around £38.5 million ($52 million), rejected
- Manchester City valuation
- More than £60 million (reports suggest about £68 million)
- Player
- Rodri, 30-year-old Spain midfielder
- Contract status
- Final year at Manchester City
- Recent honour
- Best Player as Spain won the FIFA World Cup
- Injury status
- Recovering from back surgery last month; expected back in Manchester next week
- Potential successor
- Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, Lille and Morocco midfielder
- Bouaddi asking price
- Around £86 million
