Maresca Confirms Rodri Return August 14; City Reject Barcelona's 50m Euro Bid
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago1 MIN
Summary
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Rodri will return to the club on August 14 following the 3-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Barcelona's 50 million euro bid for the 30-year-old Spain international has been firmly rejected, with City demanding at least 80 million euros .
Key Points
- Rodri, 30, is recovering from minimally invasive back surgery performed at the end of July and will report for duty on August 14 .
- Barcelona offered 50 million euros (approximately 450 million Hong Kong dollars) but City rejected it outright, stating 80 million euros (720 million Hong Kong dollars) as the minimum asking price .
- The La Liga giants need a defensive midfielder after Frankie de Jong suffered a serious injury, prompting their move for Rodri .
- Real Madrid's new manager Mourinho is also reportedly monitoring the situation, adding to the transfer speculation .
- City face Bournemouth on August 23 in their first Premier League match under Maresca, and Rodri may not be ready for that opener .
Why It Matters
Rodri's future represents one of the most significant transfer sagas of the summer window, given his status as a World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient. City's firm stance signals their determination to retain key players despite contract expiry concerns, while Barcelona's pursuit highlights their ongoing financial constraints in the transfer market .
Rodri's future represents one of the most significant transfer sagas of the summer window, given his status as a World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient. City's firm stance signals their determination to retain key players despite contract expiry concerns, while Barcelona's pursuit highlights their ongoing financial constraints in the transfer market .