‘Not Good Enough!’ Man City Set To Reject Barcelona Bid For Rodri Despite Midfielder’s Terms Agreement With Hansi Flick

Manchester City are reportedly set to reject Barcelona's opening offer for Rodri despite the Spain international having given the Catalan club the green light to pursue a move and holding discussions with head coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona's proposal is understood to fall short of City's valuation, leaving the midfielder's potential return to Spain far from straightforward.

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to reject Barcelona's initial bid for Rodri, despite growing indications that the midfielder is open to joining the Catalan club.

Barcelona have intensified their interest in the 30-year-old Spain international after talks between Rodri and Real Madrid stalled. The midfielder has reportedly spoken with Hansi Flick, who has personally outlined his plans for using him at Camp Nou. However, agreeing personal terms or establishing a preference is only one part of the equation, with Manchester City still needing to accept a transfer fee.

Barcelona's Opening Bid Falls Short

Reports indicate that Barcelona's initial offer is around €45 million, a figure Manchester City are not prepared to accept. The Premier League club are understood to value Rodri considerably higher, meaning negotiations would need to progress substantially before a deal could be completed.

City's position underlines the difficulty Barcelona face in attempting to bring one of Europe's most accomplished midfielders to Catalonia.

Rodri Gives Barcelona Encouragement

While City's stance remains firm, Rodri's reported willingness to explore the Barcelona option has provided the Spanish club with encouragement.

The midfielder has reportedly authorised Barcelona to open discussions with Manchester City, while his conversation with Flick has further strengthened the possibility of a move.

That does not, however, mean that a transfer agreement has been reached between the two clubs.

Flick Makes His Case

Hansi Flick is understood to have played an important role in Barcelona's renewed pursuit of Rodri. The German coach reportedly contacted the midfielder personally to explain how he would fit into his sporting plans.

Flick's intervention is believed to have strengthened Barcelona's position in a transfer race that had previously been dominated by Real Madrid.

Manchester City Hold The Key

Despite Barcelona's progress with the player, Manchester City remain in control of the negotiations. Rodri is still under contract with the Premier League champions, and the club's valuation will ultimately determine whether Barcelona can turn their interest into a completed transfer.

Recent reporting has suggested that City could seek a substantially higher figure than Barcelona's opening proposal.

Real Madrid Complicate The Picture

Real Madrid's previous interest in Rodri has added another layer to the developing transfer saga. The midfielder had been strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital, but negotiations have reportedly stalled, allowing Barcelona to emerge as a serious alternative.

Rodri's preference will therefore be closely watched as the three-way story develops.

Barcelona Face A Financial Challenge

For Barcelona, the immediate priority is finding a financial structure capable of satisfying Manchester City's demands. The club may have to improve substantially on its initial proposal if it wants to prevent the negotiations from collapsing before they properly begin.

The midfielder's reported willingness to join provides encouragement, but it cannot by itself overcome the difference between the two clubs' valuations.

A Transfer Far From Complete

Rodri's reported agreement on personal terms with Flick's project has made the possibility of a Barcelona move more credible, but the transfer remains far from complete.

Manchester City's expected rejection of the opening bid demonstrates that Barcelona still have significant work to do. Until the two clubs reach an agreement over the fee and structure of the deal, Rodri remains a Manchester City player.

For now, Barcelona have the player's reported interest on their side, while Manchester City hold the stronger negotiating position. The coming stages of the talks will determine whether Flick's personal appeal can eventually help Barcelona overcome City's financial demands and bring the Spain star back to La Liga.