Barcelona will not pursue Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the summer, with his price tag of €70 million prohibitive for them.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Rodri will unlikely join Barcelona in the summer transfer window. Manchester City will demand around €70 million to part ways with the Spanish international. And the Blaugrana cannot afford to pay such a sum on any player due to the never-ending financial woes.
Rodri has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Manchester City. The 26-year-old had already risen to prominence following his stints at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. But his stock has skyrocketed in the last three and a half years.
The Spanish international has turned out 186 times thus far for Manchester City, chipping in with 15 goals and 14 assists. And Rodri’s progress at the Etihad has not gone unnoticed either, with Barcelona among his prospective suitors.
Barcelona will need to plan for life after Sergio Busquets, with the veteran midfielder in the twilight of his illustrious career. The Barcelona captain can sign a new contract with the Blaugrana. But he is no spring chicken anymore and will likely call it a day in the foreseeable future.
In addition, Franck Kessie has struggled to stamp his authority since arriving in a Bosman move last summer. Widespread reports have suggested that the Ivory Coast international faces an uncertain future at Spotify Camp Nou. So Barcelona will need to invest in a defensive-minded midfielder, with Rodri emerging as a target.
Recent reports have pointed to Manchester City being concerned about Rodri’s long-term future. But signing the Spanish international is improbable for Barcelona, as his price tag will exceed €70 million. In addition, the 26-year-old is among the highest-paid players at Manchester City. So the Blaugrana cannot match his wages amid the never-ending financial distress.
So while reports suggested the Catalan giants were working on a deal to sign Rodri, they have ruled out a move. It will be interesting to see who Barcelona will target next after conceding defeat in the race to sign the Spanish international.
