RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesJust in: Rodri to Barcelona is now increasingly close to completion
Barcelona are increasingly close to completing the signing of Rodri from Manchester City, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the midfielder’s move to Catalonia is now approaching its final stages.
Notably, the most important part of the operation has already been completed.
Barcelona and Rodri have reached an agreement over the player’s contract, leaving negotiations between the two clubs as the final major hurdle before the transfer can be made official.
Those talks have now made significant progress, with the gap between Manchester City’s demands and Barcelona’s initial offer having been reduced considerably.
Right now, only minor details are left to resolve before the clubs can exchange documents and begin the formal signing process.
Barcelona and Rodri have agreed personal terms
Rodri’s agreement with Barcelona has been in place for several days, meaning the player’s decision is no longer the main issue holding up the transfer.
Barcelona have an agreement with Rodri. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Instead, the focus is on the final transfer fee between Barcelona and Manchester City.
That is an important development for the Catalan club, as Barcelona have been working to make the operation possible despite the financial demands involved.
Manchester City initially held a much higher valuation of their midfielder than Barcelona were prepared to offer. However, negotiations have continued, and the two clubs have now bridged much of that difference.
The deal is therefore no longer at the stage of simply exploring whether a transfer could happen.
Rather, the negotiations are in their final phase, with only some details still preventing an official announcement, which explains why the Rodri to Barcelona is now looking increasingly realistic.
Flick could have Rodri in training this week
The timing of the potential transfer is also becoming increasingly important for Hansi Flick, who wants clarity over his squad before the start of the new La Liga campaign, and having Rodri available during the early stages of preparation would give him a major boost.
Rodri could be on his way to Barcelona. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Flick could potentially have the midfielder at his disposal as early as this week if the remaining details are resolved quickly.
That would allow Rodri to begin working with his new teammates and start adapting to the German’s tactical demands.
At the same time, however, there is still a slight complication.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has indicated that Rodri is expected to return to England this week when City resume training.
That suggests that the transfer may not be officially completed immediately, despite the encouraging progress in negotiations.
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