Man City open to selling midfielder Rodri

What the report says

Manchester City are reportedly open to selling midfielder Rodri, but only for a fee above £60m, as interest in the Spain captain grows during the summer transfer window. The BBC Sport report says Barcelona are now emerging as the front-runner after previously facing competition from Real Madrid. Rodri is 30 and is in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, with no new deal agreed.

The story matters because Rodri remains one of City’s most important midfielders and a move would have major implications for both the English champions and whichever Spanish club wins the race. BBC Sport says Barcelona have opened talks with City, while discussions with Real Madrid have ended. The club are also said to want to move quickly so they can line up a replacement if Rodri departs.

Rodri’s recent fitness record adds context to the situation. He missed much of the 2024-25 season because of a serious knee injury and later had a hamstring problem, although he returned strongly at the recent World Cup, where Spain won the title and he was named player of the tournament. He is currently recovering after back surgery and is due back with City’s squad early next week, according to the report.

BBC Sport also notes that City are exploring other transfer options, including Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, though the French club’s asking price is described as a hurdle. The article presents the situation as developing, with Rodri’s future still unresolved.