Barcelona priority transfer target expected to miss training next week amid future uncertainty

It has been more than a week now since Barcelona started active negotiations with Manchester City for Rodri.

The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder gave his approval to choose Barça over Real Madrid as his next destination.

Since then, the Catalan club have been trying to reach an agreement with the Cityzens, with the club now closing in on an agreement with their third bid.

Now, according to Jack Gaughan, speaking on the Esteemed Kompany Manchester City fan channel, Rodri believes there will be clarity over his future shortly.

The Spain international is not expected to participate in City’s training sessions next week because he believes the ongoing negotiations surrounding his future will have reached a conclusion.

Barcelona are confident of striking an agreement for Rodri. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

For Barcelona, that is significant. The biggest obstacle for them has not been convincing Rodri, but rather agreeing a fee they deem acceptable within their financial means.

It is worth remembering here that the Spaniard is in the final year of his contract and, at 30, it would not make much sense for Barça to pay an exorbitant fee.

However, City are making sure on their end that they accept a fee that reflects Rodri’s status as a Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world.

Barça have been preparing a bid of around £60 million in a fixed fee, which they hope City find acceptable enough to give their approval for the transfer.

Hansi Flick would be receiving one of the most experienced midfielders available if Barcelona can finish the operation.

Rodri wants to play for Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Rodri would immediately add control, positional discipline and leadership to a midfield already packed with technical quality.

His arrival would also allow Barcelona to manage Marc Bernal’s development carefully rather than placing immediate responsibility on the youngster after his breakthrough.

Rodri’s expected absence from City’s training next week does not guarantee that he will become a Barcelona player. The final club-to-club agreement still needs to be reached.

However, it does suggest that the transfer saga is in its final lap. For years, Barça have spent time asking the question: “Who are we replacing Busquets with?”

It finally looks like the club are closing in on a pure defensive midfield profile, and it remains to be seen what fee Manchester City eventually agree to.