Barcelona’s interest in Rodri has reportedly been met with a firmer response from Manchester City, who have now raised their asking price to $94.5 million (£70 million), according to The Times. It is a substantial figure for a 30-year-old midfielder who has had injury problems over the last two years, but City’s latest valuation suggests they are not inclined to make the deal easy.

For Barcelona, the decision is less about whether Rodri is an expensive target and more about whether they can afford to let the opportunity slip. The club are understood to be in a stronger financial position than they have been for some time, but their history of restraint, improvisation and pressure under La Liga’s rules still lingers over every major move.

That has changed to some extent. After years of operating under severe constraints, Barcelona are expected to be working within the 1:1 rule, which allows every euro brought in to be spent in the same summer, per The Athletic. The exits of high earners such as Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford have helped create room, while the expected sale of Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain should improve it further.

Even so, the club’s present flexibility may not last. Barcelona are due to leave Camp Nou again in June 2027 so a new roof can be installed, and the temporary move will bring financial strain. Reduced capacity will limit matchday income, while renovation costs continue to climb.

That makes the timing of any move important. Barcelona may never find a cleaner moment to pursue a player of Rodri’s stature, even if the price remains steep.

Liverpool have moved quickly to secure Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona, a deal that arrives just as the 2026/27 Premier League season edges closer. It gives new Reds manager Andoni Iraola an experienced centre back to work with, while Barcelona are left to reassess their defensive picture and their broader summer planning.

Iraola had made it clear that Liverpool needed reinforcements at the back, especially after Joe Gomez’s injury left the squad without a senior option for much of pre-season. The club could have chased a major permanent signing, but instead have taken a lower-risk route that avoids blocking the progress of Jérémy Jacquet or Giovanni Leoni. Virgil van Dijk remains the automatic starter if fit, Jacquet is expected to play regularly after his own move to Anfield, and Leoni is still viewed as a major part of the future once he returns from injury.

For Liverpool, the appeal is clear. Araújo arrives on loan and can offer either regular starts, dependable cover, or a mix of both. It is a gamble, but one that is easier to justify because of the structure of the deal.

The move also comes at a difficult point in Araújo’s career. He struggled for rhythm under Hansi Flick, was often criticised by supporters for errors and has dealt with fitness problems. His role at Barcelona had diminished badly, with only 11 La Liga starts last season, and the signs pointed to a player no longer central to the club’s plans.

Barcelona, though, gain significant financial relief. Araújo is among their top earners, and removing his salary for at least 12 months helps ease pressure on the wage bill. Reports indicate he has accepted a wage cut to complete the move, while Liverpool cover his full salary.

That flexibility could matter later in the window, particularly with interest in Rodri and Julián Alvarez from Manchester City and Atlético Madrid respectively. If Liverpool get a strong season out of Araújo, the deal could be a success on the pitch as well as off it. If not, he returns to Barcelona with limited damage done.

Barcelona are moving towards an agreement for Rodri, with talks reportedly entering the final stage as the midfielder edges closer to a return to Manchester City training this week.

Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have still not reached the asking price, but an offer of an initial $63.5 million (£47 million), before add-ons, has pushed negotiations to the point where the finer details are being worked through. There is even a suggestion that the gap between the clubs could be narrowed by including a player from the Barcelona squad. Elsewhere, City have been linked with 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués.

The urgency is clear from Barcelona’s side. Hansi Flick wants the matter resolved quickly so he can spend as much time as possible preparing with his reshaped squad before the new season gets underway.

Rodri’s summer has been interrupted more than most after winning the World Cup with Spain. His return to pre-season has been delayed, and he has yet to rejoin City, missing Enzo Maresca’s entire first pre-season, which finished this weekend before the Community Shield against Arsenal next Sunday, Aug. 16.

A return is now imminent. Rodri is expected to be available for City in some capacity, with his comeback set for two days earlier.

“At the moment, he will be in Manchester,” Maresca explained. “There is no update. On Aug. 14 he will be back.”

A swift resolution would suit both clubs. Barcelona want Rodri in place as soon as possible to maximise their preparation time, while City also need to plan for a future without such an influential figure.