Rodri Deal Enters Final Stretch — City Still Expect Him Back on Friday

Barcelona’s move for Rodri has entered its final stage, according to Joan Poquí of Mundo Deportivo. Barça reportedly have a full agreement with the player, while talks with Manchester City are now focused on the final details of a fixed fee and add-ons. The gap between City’s valuation and Barcelona’s opening bid is said to have been bridged, but no documents have been exchanged yet. This remains a media report, not a completed transfer.

Enzo Maresca offered a rather less celebratory version of events. The City manager said that, “for the moment,” Rodri is expected back in Manchester on Friday to begin training. Mundo Deportivo, meanwhile, claims Hansi Flick hopes to have him in Barcelona this week. One midfielder, two training schedules and still no official announcement.

Barça have gone from seeing their first bid rejected to standing on the edge of a deal in barely two days. Around this club, the unveiling often seems to arrive before the paperwork. Until City sign off, Rodri remains closer to Friday training in Manchester than posing for photographs at Camp Nou.