Barcelona Nears Deal for Rodri as Enzo Maresca Shares Update

Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal for midfielder Rodri just before he returns to Manchester City training this week. The club has overtaken Real Madrid in the race to secure the World Cup winner’s signature.

Initially, Barcelona’s opening offer of $52 million (£38.5 million) was rejected by City, who value Rodri closer to $81 million (£60 million). According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have yet to meet that figure but have made a new proposal offering an initial $63.5 million (£47 million) plus add-ons. Negotiations are now in their final stage as both clubs work out the remaining details.

The price gap might be reduced by including a player from Barcelona’s squad in the deal. Rumors link City with 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués in return.

Manager Hansi Flick is pushing for a swift agreement so that Rodri can join pre-season preparations well ahead of the new campaign.

Enzo Maresca Updates on Rodri’s Return to Manchester City

Having won the World Cup with Spain this summer, Rodri's return to Manchester City preseason started later than most teammates. He missed the entire initial phase of preseason led by assistant coach Enzo Maresca, which wrapped up this weekend ahead of the Community Shield against Arsenal scheduled for Sunday, August 16.

Maresca confirmed that Rodri is expected back at City on August 14. “At the moment, he will be in Manchester,” Maresca said. “There is no update. On Aug. 14 he will be back.”

Reaching a quick deal benefits both teams. Barcelona wants Rodri early to integrate him into their squad, while City must accelerate plans for life without such a key player. New signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, who also missed preseason due to England duty, has not featured yet. Meanwhile, Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico González have shared playing time in midfield.

City are expected to pursue a high-profile replacement for Rodri. There is ongoing speculation about a reunion between Maresca and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández. Fernández, who lost to Rodri’s Spain in the World Cup final, is only just returning to training and will need time before being fully ready for the season.