Barcelona preparing their opening bid for Manchester City heavyweight | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are moving into the decisive stage of their pursuit of Rodri Hernández.

The Manchester City midfielder took a significant step towards a potential move to Camp Nou after informing the Catalan club that he is convinced by Hansi Flick’s sporting project and giving Barça the green light to begin negotiations with the Premier League champions.

Now, according to RAC1 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Barça are now finalising an official offer that will be presented to Manchester City in the coming days.

Rodri’s decision changes everything

There are still details to be resolved with both the player and Manchester City.

However, Barcelona believe they have overcome the biggest obstacle that had been preventing any serious progress: understanding Rodri’s true intentions.

Official offer being prepared. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Until only a few days ago, the feeling inside the club was that the Spanish international would prioritise Real Madrid if he returned to La Liga.

That is no longer the case. Rodri has now chosen Barcelona, believing the club’s style of play and footballing philosophy are a better fit for his qualities than Real Madrid.

A transfer that seemed destined for Madrid

For several weeks, particularly following Rodri’s outstanding performances during Spain’s victorious World Cup campaign, most reports suggested Real Madrid were the overwhelming favourites to sign him.

The club’s need for a controlling midfielder appeared to make the move almost inevitable. Yet as the days and weeks passed, negotiations failed to progress.

Contract already agreed. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

With just one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, Rodri’s future had remained unresolved and Barcelona swooped in to convince the 30-year-old midfielder to choose the Spotify Camp Nou.

Barça hope to conclude talks quickly

As already reported, Rodri would like his future settled before rejoining Manchester City on 13 August.

The World Cup winner has already agreed terms over a four-year contract with Barcelona and now all that remains is for the two clubs to hash out an agreement over a transfer fee.

Barcelona are now accelerating their efforts in the hope of reaching an agreement before that date, with preparations for an official offer already underway.