Stefan Borson suggests what it will cost Barcelona to prise Rodri from Man City

Barcelona are interested in signing Ballon d'Or winner Rodri but striking a deal with Manchester City will be very difficult.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the reigning La Liga champions may struggle to afford the midfielder.

It appeared for all the world that Real Madrid would be Rodri's destination ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, but a new twist has emerged this summer.

The 30-year-old reportedly has his heart set on the Nou Camp now, with Borson previously stating that Man City would want upwards of £60million for a deal to be completed.

Barcelona's finances are often a talking point during transfer windows, and that is certainly the case as Hansi Flick's side lead the race for Rodri's signature.

The La Liga giants have already splashed out on Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, and Man City's No.16 could be next if they can afford it.

Can Barcelona afford to sign Rodri?

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson questioned who Barcelona could sell in order to finance a deal for Rodri, but struggled to come up with the answer.

"Barcelona are obviously interested because, why wouldn't you be? But the problem will be affording him," he said.

"If the price is anywhere near, let's say €80m (£68.6m) to €100m (£86m). That's what he's worth. That's what the fee should be. I don't know where City are.

"The situation still seems to be that Barcelona have to sell to buy, and I don't see who they can sell, that they want to sell, for the sort of fee that's necessary to do this deal.

"Then there's the question of whether Man City are going to play ball."

What has Rodri said about his future?

Rodri has entered into the final year of his contract, and while he is unlikely to be a player that throws his toys out the pram, the situation has become complicated.

“I would like to return (to LaLiga), yes, of course. For me, LaLiga is where I started. But right now, I am very happy here,” he said previously.

“There are other players who’ve taken that path… You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”

All signs currently point towards a return to Spain, but with the two biggest clubs in the country fighting for him, there doesn't appear to be a simple resolution in sight.