Barcelona Close to Signing Rodri as Enzo Maresca Reveals Latest on Man City Midfielder

Barcelona appear close to securing a deal for midfielder Rodri just before he is set to rejoin Manchester City training. After overtaking Real Madrid in the pursuit of the World Cup-winning midfielder, Barcelona's initial $52 million (£38.5 million) offer was rejected by City, who want closer to $81 million (£60 million).

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have not met that valuation yet but have proposed a $63.5 million (£47 million) upfront bid plus additional payments. This has pushed negotiations into the final stages where both clubs aim to iron out the remaining details.

Reports suggest the remaining difference might be balanced by including a player from Barcelona’s squad in the deal. One name linked to Manchester City is 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués.

Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick is pressing club officials to finalize the transfer quickly so Rodri can integrate into the team well ahead of the new season.

Enzo Maresca Confirms Rodri’s Return to Manchester City Set for August 14

Enzo Maresca, part of the City coaching staff, confirmed that Rodri will be back with the club soon. The Spanish international missed much of preseason due to his World Cup triumph with Spain and was absent during Maresca’s first preseason period, which ended recently ahead of the Community Shield clash against Arsenal on August 16.

“At the moment, he will be in Manchester,” said Maresca. “There is no update. On Aug. 14 he will be back.”

Both clubs would benefit from closing this deal quickly. Barcelona want maximum time to prepare with Rodri, while Manchester City need to plan for life without one of their key players.

New signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest also missed preseason after England’s third-place World Cup playoff. Consequently, players like Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico González have taken the lead minutes during preseason matches.

A notable replacement for Rodri is expected. There are ongoing reports linking Maresca with a potential reunion with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. Fernández is only just returning to training following his loss to Rodri’s Spain in the World Cup final and will require more time before starting the new season.