Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri has reached the point where the transfer now appears to depend on one final round of negotiations.
According to MARCA, the two sides have significantly narrowed the gap following Barcelona’s latest offer and are now separated by €10 million.
As reported before, the current proposal is worth €70 million in total, made up of €60 million guaranteed and a further €10 million in bonuses. Manchester City, however, want €80 million including add-ons.
That leaves a relatively small difference for a transfer of this size.
With both clubs optimistic, the Rodri operation now looks less like a question of whether Barcelona can convince City to negotiate and more about finding a structure that works for both sides.
Barcelona and City are close
Notably, while there had previously been verbal discussions, the current offer puts a clear structure on the table: €60 million in guaranteed money, plus €10 million in variables.
Barcelona and Manchester City still have not settled on a financial agreement. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, despite Barcelona’s third attempt, City have not accepted those terms.
Their position is that the overall package should reach €80 million, meaning Barcelona still need to find another €10 million if they are to meet the English club’s current valuation.
But the important detail is not simply the difference between €70 million and €80 million. It is the fact that both clubs now appear to have a clearer understanding of where the deal could eventually be completed.
That is a very different situation from earlier in the negotiations.
Barcelona have gradually improved their position, while Manchester City have given the Catalan club a clearer indication of what they expect.
The remaining discussions could therefore focus on how that final €10 million is structured rather than reopening the entire negotiation.
Barcelona are hopeful of completing Rodri transfer by next week. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images)
Barcelona could look to increase the guaranteed amount, add more performance-related bonuses or find another formula that allows City to reach their desired valuation without placing the full financial burden upfront.
For now, that is the only issue separating Rodri from a move to Spotify Camp Nou.
So what now?
It must be remembered that both Barcelona and Manchester City have matches on Sunday, making it more difficult for the clubs to dedicate their full attention to negotiations.
City’s fixture is particularly significant as it is an official match, while Barcelona are involved in a friendly.
However, that does not mean the talks will stop completely, but it could delay any breakthrough. Monday is therefore emerging as an important day.
If an agreement is not reached before then, both sides are confident that negotiations can continue at the start of the new week.