Rodri of Manchester City during the Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London
Rodri has undergone surgery ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.Imago

Rodri: New odds-on favourite to complete signing as Man City star ‘opens door’ to move

Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Barcelona have emerged as the new odds-on favourites to make a sensational swoop for Manchester City’s Rodri this summer.

Reports emerged on Thursday that the 30-year-old midfielder has “opened doors” to the Catalan club about his willingness to negotiate terms.

Barcelona are remaining careful, with Real Madrid, the former odds-on favourites, also interested in signing the Spanish international.

Nevertheless, the La Liga champions are now just 4/6 with one bookmaker to complete the signing of Rodri after these odds were slashed.

Rodri only has one year left on his contract at Man City heading into the 2026-27 campaign, which has only heightened speculation on his future.

The midfielder was awarded the Golden Ball for his performances at the 2026 World Cup as he guided Spain to the trophy.

Barcelona join race for Rodri

As the weeks go on, Rodri’s departure from Man City seems more and more inevitable.

The midfielder is arguably the best player in the world at present, and is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Therefore, it came as little surprise when Fabrizio Romano reported Barcelona’s interest, given the quality the 30-year-old possesses.

Given Rodri’s current contract situation, it seems highly unlikely that Man City will be able to fight off interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

However, it remains to be seen if the Manchester club will be willing to part with such a big player so close to the start of the new campaign.

Rodri of Manchester City during the Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London
Enzo Maresca driving Man City move for Chelsea star he is a 'big fan' of

What other business could Man City conduct this summer?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Man City are increasingly likely to make a move to Chelsea’s Pedro Neto this summer.

This depends on whether Savinho leaves in the coming weeks, with the winger attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

City have been anticipating the wideman’s exit for some time, and are ready to make a move for Neto when his departure progresses. 

If a move is made for Neto, Chelsea are set to demand £70million for his services, and City view this as a decent value in today’s market.

However, it remains to be seen what business Man City will conduct as the transfer window nears its end.

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