Barcelona prepared to improve bid for Rodri after Man City reject €45 million plus add-ons offer – Romano | OneFootball

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have rejected FC Barcelona’s opening offer worth €45 million plus another €5 million in add-ons.

Despite the opening offer being rejected, the two clubs are continuing negotiations, with the Blaugrana prepared to improve their initial offer.

As far as the Cityzens are concerned, they are fully aware of Rodri’s desire to join the La Liga champions. However, as reported previously by The Athletic, they continue to value the World Cup winner at a mammoth €80 million.

First offer rejected

Having reached an agreement with the midfielder over personal terms, Barcelona have moved swiftly to open talks with Manchester City in order to close the deal as early as possible.

As was widely reported since morning, the opening offer, worth €45 million plus add-ons, was sent to the Premier League giants, which, as expected has been turned down by the Cityzens.

During their previous negotiations with Real Madrid, City made it clear that they will not sell Rodri for a bargain price despite his contract entering its final 12 months.

The ball is now in Barcelona’s court to improve their offer and push closer to the figure that Enzo Maresca’s side are demanding in order to part ways with their midfield general.

Things in Barcelona’s favour

What works in Barcelona’s favour is that Rodri has already given the green light to the move and a verbal agreement over a four-year contract is also in place.

First offer rejected. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Moreover, Manchester City are aware that the midfielder has no intention of renewing his contract, meaning they would stand to lose him for nothing next summer if a deal is not finalised in the ongoing window.

Given that they will need to sign a replacement, potentially Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille, who is likely to command a significant fee, the Cityzens will want to move forward with negotiations for Rodri’s sale at a fast pace.

With Barcelona now prepared to improve their offer, an agreement could eventually be finalised, ideally before August 13, when Rodri is scheduled to return to Manchester for training before the start of the new season.