Barcelona’s opening offer of €45m plus €15m for Rodri falls short of Man City’s valuation | OneFootball

Having taken away the wind from Real Madrid’s sails in the Rodri saga, Barcelona are now looking to complete the operation at the earliest and incorporate the World Cup-winning captain into their dynamics.

As reported earlier this week, the player has already made his decision to reject Real Madrid in favour of a move to Catalonia, and Barcelona even have an agreement in place with the player over personal and financial terms.

All that remains, thus, is for the two clubs to reach an agreement. The player has given Barcelona the green light to begin negotiations with Manchester City, and Mundo Deportivo now provide an update that the club have already begun working on that front.

Official beginning of negotiations

Barcelona have begun negotiations. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Indeed, as reported by the Spanish outlet, Barcelona have officially begun negotiations with Manchester City over Rodri’s transfer and are pushing to get it done at the earliest.

Their first offer is said to be for €45 million with €15 million in variables, adding up to a gross package of €60 million.

Sources in Manchester, however, clarify that the offer will not be sufficient for the English club.

Rodri’s current employers are looking for a sum of close to €70 million as a starting point for negotiations, and Barcelona are not opposed to raising their offer as matters stand. Good progress is expected in the coming days.

City value Rodri

Rodri is pushing to leave Manchester. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Manchester City are well aware of Rodri’s desire to return to Spain, but it is clear that they would ideally not like to sell the player. They consider him a vital part of their project and are not portraying an open image of being willing to part ways with him.

What plays in Barcelona’s favour, however, is that the player is close to running his contract down and refuses to renew as he aims for a return to Spain.

It has been reported that Manchester City will honour his decision should he ask for a departure, and it is thus expected that they will actively negotiate without holding out with a firm stance against selling him.

What they will look to do, however, is get the best price they can for the midfielder.