Barcelona has imposed a strict 48-hour deadline to finalize the high-profile transfer of Spanish international Rodri from Manchester City. The midfielder has already expressed his desire to join the Catalan club, with president Joan Laporta stepping in to negotiate a deal close to €80 million.

• Barcelona imposes 48-hour ultimatum for Rodri

  Barcelona has set a firm 48-hour deadline to complete the signing of Manchester City’s Rodri, according to Fichajes. The Catalan club is pushing for a final agreement to ensure the Spanish international can be unveiled at the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy match.

  The negotiations between the two European giants have reached a critical stage as they attempt to bridge a valuation gap. Manchester City is demanding a package close to €80 million (£69 million) to sanction Rodri’s departure.

  Barcelona’s last formal offer of €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses was rejected by City. A revised proposal of up to €75 million also failed to unlock the transfer, prompting further structured discussions over the weekend.

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• Rodri pushes for Camp Nou move

  The primary sticking point in the talks remains the exact financial structure of the transfer. City seeks to maximize the guaranteed portion of the fee, while Barcelona aims to minimize its upfront expenditure.

  Both clubs are evaluating two key compromise formulas to meet the required valuation. One proposal includes €70 million in fixed payments with reduced bonuses, while another suggests €65 million fixed plus €15 million in performance-related add-ons.

  A decisive factor in the negotiations is Rodri’s clear intent to leave England and prioritize a move to Barcelona. With an alternative interest from Real Madrid now firmly ruled out, the midfielder’s stance has given the Blaugrana renewed confidence in securing his signature.

• Laporta steps in to finalize deal

  Rodri recently returned to England to resume pre-season preparations with Manchester City after requesting a brief pause to resolve his future. He is expected to regain match fitness with City, though his stay in Manchester may be short-lived.

  Barcelona considers City’s valuation somewhat inflated given that Rodri has just one year left on his contract. However, the Catalan leadership acknowledges it must meet the English club’s financial demands to secure an immediate deal.

  Club president Joan Laporta is now set to take direct charge of the final stages of negotiations. The Barça hierarchy hopes his direct involvement will finalize an agreement over the weekend or, at the latest, by Monday.

• Revealing the broader impact on the transfer market

  If Barcelona meets its self-imposed deadline, Rodri is expected to arrive in Catalonia shortly after the deal is completed. The club plans for him to join training on Tuesday before making his debut at the Joan Gamper Trophy presentation.

  The acquisition of this influential midfielder will significantly influence Barcelona’s financial planning and remaining wage bill under LaLiga’s salary cap rules. Once Rodri’s final transfer fee is confirmed, the sporting management team will shift focus to other transfer priorities.