In a breaking report, Spanish journalist Matteo Moretto brings to light that Barcelona’s signing of Rodri is on the verge of being completed.
After days of long negotiations, rejected offers, and deep internal debate for the Catalans, the news comes as a massive update and a sign that they are on the right track.
While Barcelona have been cautious with their approach to the player and the offers they put out, their intent of signing him was never in question. It was always seen as only a matter of time before the signing would be completed.
The hour now appears to have arrived, and matters may well progress rapidly over the weekend, possibly even culminating in an official announcement.
The current status
Indeed, as forwarded by the Spanish journalist, Barcelona are closer than ever before to landing the World Cup winner and talks with Manchester City are now in their final stages.
One arrives as one departs. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Barcelona are pushing, and have set an aim, of closing the deal in a matter of hours with the package rumoured to be over €70 million. That sum, needless to say, includes both fixed and variable components.
The Blaugrana have already had two offers for the player turned down by the Premier League side who have been demanding a sum of €80 million for their star midfielder.
With the player having his mind fixated on Barcelona and the club backing it up with an offer so close to Manchester City’s demands, the deal could well close this weekend.
Rodri may train directly in Catalonia
Earlier this week, the player concluded his vacation in Spain but was forced to travel back to England given that the deal had not yet been completed.
Flick may have Rodri under his command by next week. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Given the progress the two clubs have made and how close the transfer is, however, the player did request to skip training with Manchester City so as to avoid any untoward injuries or setbacks.
Should Deco and Co. close the signing later today or tomorrow, there will be a good chance the player travels back to Spain this weekend and completes his medicals. He could, thus, rejoin training directly under Hansi Flick’s orders.
The management, administration and fans, however, will hold back the celebrations until the deal is finally made official, especially given how many ups and downs the operation has seen in a matter of days.