Barcelona’s agreement to sell Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain could have a major impact on their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the deal for the Spanish forward has given Barcelona greater financial room and improved their position with regard to Financial Fair Play, allowing the club to approach the final stage of negotiations with Manchester City with more confidence.
The financial gap between the two clubs has narrowed in recent days, and there is growing belief that an agreement can be found.
However, the transfer is not yet complete, with Rodri still expected to report for Manchester City’s training session as matters stand.
Barcelona have already seen two offers rejected, but Ferran’s sale could now provide the extra push needed to get the deal over the line.
Ferran Torres sale gives Barcelona more room to negotiate
Barcelona’s agreement with PSG, worth close to €50 million, is significant for more than one reason.
Barcelona are very close to signing Rodri. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images)
Apart from bringing a sizeable fee into the club, Ferran’s departure would also create additional room within Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play situation.
That gives the Catalan side more flexibility as they continue talks over Rodri, for whom Barcelona and City are no longer far apart.
Negotiations are now centred around finding a compromise between Barcelona’s valuation and Manchester City’s demands.
The difference is believed to be around €5 million, making this less about a major disagreement and more about finding the right structure for the deal.
With the Ferran agreement now in place, Barcelona can enter those discussions from a stronger position.
Rodri returns to Manchester
Ferran Torres’ transfer will give Barcelona plenty of leverage. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Despite the progress in negotiations, Rodri’s move has not reached the finish line.
The midfielder was expected to attend Manchester City’s training session, and there had been no cancellation of his scheduled involvement as of late yesterday.
Rodri had spent Thursday in Madrid while waiting for clarity over his future.
There was hope that Manchester City might excuse him from training, similar to the arrangement involving Ferran, but that permission did not materialise.
The Spain international subsequently travelled back to England and was seen at Barajas Airport before boarding a flight to Liverpool, from where he could continue his journey towards Manchester.