Rodri Transfer Latest as Man City Reject Barcelona Bid Amid Enzo Fernandez Talks
Manchester City have turned down a fresh Barcelona offer for Rodri, with Sky Sports reporting that a £55m bid has now been rejected. The Spanish champions remain intent on striking a deal, but City’s valuation has so far held firm in a developing Rodri transfer saga that could shape the rest of their summer.
The position from the Etihad is clear. City are “seeking upwards of £60m” for the 30-year-old, who is now into the final year of his contract. Barcelona had already seen an opening proposal, “in the region of £40m”, dismissed last week and, despite returning with improved terms, they still have not reached the level required.
There is also an important layer to this. Sky Sports state that City “do not want to sell Spain’s World Cup-winning captain and instead want to agree a new contract with him”. That remains the preference. Yet the caveat is significant, “if Rodri asks to leave, then they would not stand in his way.” For now, “talks remain ongoing” and Barcelona are “considering their next move”.
Barcelona Pressure Grows in Rodri Transfer Battle
Rodri’s profile, pedigree and influence mean this is not a routine negotiation. He remains one of the defining midfielders of his generation and a key reference point in how City control matches. Even at 30, there is little surprise Barcelona are pushing hard.
What may sharpen attention around this case is the timing. Rodri’s contract situation naturally limits City’s leverage to a degree, but it also creates urgency for the buying club. If Barcelona truly believe he is obtainable, they may yet test City again before the window moves into its decisive phase.
Reijnders Sale Gives Man City Market Flexibility
Running alongside the Rodri situation is outgoing business involving Tijjani Reijnders. City have “agreed a deal to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah” for a fee “around £51m”. Reijnders only arrived from AC Milan last summer, but the report states that “wants to move and now looks set for the Saudi Pro League”.
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That departure, combined with other sales, materially changes City’s room for manoeuvre. As Sky Sports News’ James Savundra explained, “The Tijjani Reijnders news means Man City are making another major sale, they are bringing in over £100m in sales in this transfer window when you account for James Trafford departing and some smaller sales, such as Nathan Ake going to Turkey.”
He added, “It means they are in a better position in terms of negotiating and what money they’ve got left to spend in this transfer window.”
Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi Links Intensify
Attention now shifts to reinforcements. City are interested in Enzo Fernandez and Ayyoub Bouaddi, with Chelsea said to have imposed a deadline, “Friday 5pm”, for any £120m move for Enzo. Lille talks over Bouaddi are also continuing.
Savundra framed the arithmetic plainly, “If they do get big money for Rodri, you match up £70m with £50m and that gets you to £120m – which is what Chelsea want for Enzo Fernandez!” That line captures why Rodri transfer developments and the Reijnders sale may prove central to City’s next move.
Our View
From a worried Man City supporter’s perspective, this report lands with real unease. Rodri has been the calm in the middle for years, the player who gives structure, rhythm and authority. Seeing Barcelona come back with bid after bid is bound to raise concern, especially with his contract now down to its final year. Even if the club “do not want to sell”, that phrase about not standing in his way if he wants to leave is the part that sticks in the mind.
Then there is Reijnders. Losing one central midfielder in a summer can be manageable, losing two is a very different conversation. It starts to feel like the spine of the side is being pulled apart at once. Enzo Fernandez is a huge name, and Bouaddi is an exciting talent, but replacing Rodri is not a straightforward market exercise. There are not many players in world football who can do what he does.
The other worry is price and timing. Paying £120m late in the window can look like a sign of strength, but it can also look like a club reacting under pressure. City supporters will want clarity quickly. Keep Rodri, bring in fresh quality, and avoid a summer where too much change in midfield leaves the team chasing balance when the season is already moving.