Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri has dragged on far longer than the club would have anticipated, with the Catalans still yet to find an agreement with Manchester City.
Recent reports indicate Barcelona are still at least €10 million away from meeting Manchester City’s desired price for the Spanish international.
Although Rodri is more than willing to join the ranks at Barcelona next season, the lack of agreement has continued to drag the operation, with Man City not too keen on selling their star player on a cut-price deal.
Decisive hours ahead for Barcelona
Rodri is keen on joining Barcelona. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
According to Gerard Romero, the situation surrounding Rodri has now become even hotter, with Barcelona entering the decisive hours to finally get the deal done.
The journalist claims everything is now prepared and on the right track for Rodri to become a Barcelona player. It represents a significant boost after weeks of slow progress, and suggests a breakthrough could be imminent.
The optimism is well founded given the groundwork already laid. Rodri has long made his desire clear, and his daily contact with Barcelona stars has only reinforced his determination to complete the move as the club’s €70 million bid advances.
The final hurdle
The Rodri saga is dragging longer than expected. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The only obstacle that remains is bridging the gap in valuation between the two clubs.
The two sides are still separated by around €10 million, though the deal is considered close. Barcelona are confident their latest proposal, worth in the region of €70 million including add-ons, will be enough to convince City to sanction the sale.
Barcelona are hoping to complete the signing of the World Cup winner before the Joan Gamper Trophy, allowing Rodri to be presented to the fans and integrated into Hansi Flick’s squad as quickly as possible.
Should Barcelona get the deal over the line, it would represent a stunning coup, particularly given Rodri snubbed Real Madrid to move to Catalonia.
For now, though, all eyes are on the coming hours, with the Catalans hopeful that one of the summer’s most ambitious operations is finally nearing completion.