City rejects Barcelona's first offer for Rodri

English Premier League club Manchester City has rejected a bid from Spanish side Barcelona to release their international midfielder Rodri, who recently won the FIFA World Cup with Spain, according to reports on Friday.

The reports indicated that City turned down Barcelona’s initial offer of £38.5 million ($52 million).

Rodri, 30, has one year remaining on his contract with City, and his name has been strongly linked with a return to his home country.

It is believed that City are demanding around £68 million to let go of Rodri, who was named the best player at the last World Cup held in North America.

Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 from Spanish club Atletico Madrid, embarking on a path to win numerous titles in the English Premier League, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2023 under the management of his former compatriot Pep Guardiola.

He also won the UEFA European Championship with his national team in 2024, the same year he claimed the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player, before a serious knee injury sidelined him for most of the 2024-2025 season.