Man City forced to accept Rodri offer after he 'made it clear' he wants to leave
Manchester City had no choice but to accept an offer for Rodri after he made it clear he wanted to leave the club.
The 30-year-old is closing in on a move to Spanish champions Barcelona after the two clubs reached an agreement over a fee believed to be worth around £65million.
This comes after months of speculation about his long-term future at the Etihad, with a move to Spain always considered likely after his World Cup win.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rodri made it clear to the Man City hierarchy that he expected to leave this summer.
As a result, they were left powerless to keep the midfielder, and opted to cash in for the highest fee they could command after Barcelona made a move.
Work will now be done behind the scenes to identify a replacement, with a new midfield addition now a priority despite Elliot Anderson's arrival earlier in the window.
Why did Man City decide to sell Rodri?
Brown told Football Insider last month that Man City have been expecting offers for Rodri as a result of his impressive performances at the World Cup.
The 30-year-old was back to his best in the USA, Canada and Mexico as he lifted the Player of the Tournament award after leading Spain to their second World Cup trophy.
After Real Madrid pulled out of the race for his signature, it because clear that Barcelona was Rodri’s preferred destination, and Man City have facilitated a move.
"Rodri made it clear how he felt about leaving Man City," Brown told Football Insider.
"Since the World Cup finished, it’s been pretty much common knowledge that he had his eyes set on a move back to Spain.
"Barcelona always appeared to be his first choice, that’s where he wanted to go, and when they came in with an offer, it was always heading that way.
"Man City were looking to get the most money they could, of course, because nobody wants to lose a player of that calibre on the cheap.
"But ultimately, if the player wants to leave, it can be difficult to keep hold of him, and they decided it was time to let him move on because they had no choice.
"Maresca wanted him to be part of his plans for the season, but that's not been a possibility really, so they’ll have to look elsewhere now before the transfer window closes."
Did Man City expect Rodri to leave this summer?
Rodri has been a crucial part of Man City's recent success and was a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's side barring a lengthy absence through injury.
They had initially planned for him to remain in his important role after Enzo Maresca's arrival, but there was also a feeling that may not be possible.
Football Insider revealed back in May that Rodri could be lured away from Man City following Guardiola’s departure, with concerns he could look to move on.
That eventually transpired, with Man City failing to convince him to stay despite having held contract talks over a number of months.
All parties are now prepared for his move to Barcelona, with a fee having been agreed and person terms no issue, and with City forced to look at other options.