Barcelona have been in negotiations with Manchester City for quite some time now to try to reach an agreement for the transfer of Rodri.
It has been almost a week since the 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winner gave Barça the green light and agreed personal terms.
Since then, Rodri has been patiently waiting for the two clubs to reach an agreement on a transfer fee, but that has not happened yet.
Now, according to SPORT, the 30-year-old midfielder has asked City for special permission to miss training as he waits for the two clubs to resolve the remaining differences over his transfer.
Rodri wants to wait for Barcelona
Rodri’s holidays officially ended on Thursday, with the midfielder due to report for Manchester City training on Friday morning, which is why Barcelona may have to wait until Monday to close the blockbuster signing.
He was even spotted at Madrid airport, boarding a flight back to England, but it looks like he is not keen on rejoining training.
The Spain international would prefer to remain away and protect himself as Barça and City look to finalise an agreement.
Rodri is willing to wait for Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
However, if Manchester City reject his request and instruct him to report for training, the midfielder will return as scheduled while negotiations continue in the background.
The report stresses that relations between Rodri, City and Barcelona remain good throughout the process.
Barcelona and City getting closer
There is still no final agreement between the two clubs, but the remaining financial difference is becoming increasingly small.
Rodri’s position is also clear.
He wants to wait for Barça and hopes an agreement can be reached within the next few days, allowing him to travel directly to Barcelona and begin working under Hansi Flick.
Barça recently found themselves in a similar situation with Ferran Torres, who was given permission to miss his scheduled return while the club completed negotiations over his transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Rodri is hoping for something similar with Manchester City.
Rodri travels back towards Manchester
Barcelona are closing in on signing Rodri from Manchester City. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Despite requesting permission to miss training, Rodri was spotted at Madrid airport on Thursday evening preparing to fly to Liverpool, which is around 45 minutes by car from Manchester.
It could be to go back to the city to pick up his belongings and be available in case the English club ask him to report back.
Rodri’s arrival is one of the most anticipated transfer activities for Blaugrana fans ahead of the new season.
Signing a World Cup-winning midfielder for Flick’s team would immediately take their level up a few notches.
The important thing now is that Deco works behind the scenes to reach an agreement with Manchester City as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, whether the English club summon Rodri back to training or let him stay away will say a lot about how close Barça actually are to completing this transfer.