Why Barcelona Must Consider Paying for Rodri This Summer
Manchester City has raised its asking price for Rodri to $94.5 million (£70 million), rejecting Barcelona’s earlier offers. While Barca managed to edge out Real Madrid in the race for the midfielder, convincing City to sell has proven tougher. Their previous bids, one close to $81 million (£60 million), were turned down.
The increased fee is steep for a 30-year-old who has struggled with injuries recently. Still, City wants to hold onto him amid major changes at the club. If Rodri leaves, he would join Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones as midfielders moving on, helping fund a rebuild.
Midfield Reinforcements Demand Big Spending
Barcelona plans heavy investment in new talent: Enzo Fernández and Ayyoub Bouaddi are expected to cost over $270 million combined, while Elliot Anderson already joined for $156.5 million. Although City’s finances are solid, Barcelona’s money situation remains tight. The question isn’t just if they can afford Rodri but whether passing up this chance makes sense.
Barcelona’s Financial Landscape
Since Lionel Messi’s departure in 2021, Barcelona has struggled with La Liga’s strict financial rules. After legal battles and financial juggling, things seem to be improving. La Liga chief Javier Tebas told club president Joan Laporta that Barcelona no longer needs to envy other clubs financially.
The Athletic reports Barcelona should be operating under the 1:1 spending rule this summer, meaning every euro earned can be spent. Selling high earners like Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford, and potentially Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain, will further ease their budget.
But This Window May Be Barcelona’s Last Chance for a While
Plans to renovate Camp Nou starting June 2027 will force Barcelona to leave their home ground temporarily, playing at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys with limited capacity. This move will reduce matchday income and increase renovation expenses, squeezing finances.
Current financial flexibility is expected to vanish once renovation costs kick in next summer. This could pressure Barcelona to complete signings like Rodri before funds tighten.
Sporting Reasons to Act Quickly
Frenkie de Jong’s serious knee injury during the World Cup means Barcelona need immediate midfield reinforcements. Rodri could fill the gap effectively and provide guidance to young talent like Marc Bernal, seen as Sergio Busquets’ successor.
Striker options also look thin with Lewandowski and Torres potentially gone. The squad currently counts on 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim as the only natural center forward. Alternatives include Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi playing centrally, or coach Hansi Flick considering Dani Olmo or Lamine Yamal as false nines if they cannot secure Julián Álvarez.
