Barcelona Near Deal for Rodri as Enzo Maresca Shares Update
Barcelona is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal for midfielder Rodri, just before his scheduled return to Manchester City training. The Spanish World Cup winner’s move seems imminent after Barcelona outpaced Real Madrid in the pursuit.
Initially, Barcelona's bid of $52 million (£38.5 million) was rejected, with Manchester City demanding closer to $81 million (£60 million). Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona has since increased their offer to $63.5 million (£47 million) upfront, with additional add-ons. Negotiations have entered their final stage as both clubs work out the details.
The valuation gap might be narrowed by including a Barcelona player in the deal. Rumors suggest Manchester City could be interested in 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués as part of the exchange.
Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick is pushing for a swift agreement to allow ample time for Rodri to integrate into the revamped squad ahead of the new season.
Enzo Maresca Provides Rodri Return Timeline
Enzo Maresca, assistant at Manchester City, confirmed Rodri’s return date after missing much of preseason due to World Cup duties with Spain. Rodri hasn’t participated in preseason games yet and missed Maresca’s first preseason phase, which ended this past weekend. The Community Shield match against Arsenal is set for Sunday, 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 a quick resolution. Barcelona wants as much preparation time with Rodri as possible, while Manchester City must begin planning for life without one of their key players.
City Adjusting Midfield Options Ahead of New Season
New signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest also missed preseason, having just returned from England’s third-place finish at the World Cup. As a result, players like Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico González have been getting more minutes.
A notable replacement for Rodri is anticipated, with speculation linking Maresca to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. The Argentine midfielder, who lost the World Cup final to Rodri’s Spain, is only now returning to training and will need time to prepare for his club role this season.
