The midfielder returned to England on Thursday to report for duty with Manchester City, but remains hopeful that a deal can be struck with the Catalan giants.
According to reports from Spanish outlet ‘Sport’, the world champion requested permission to delay his return to Manchester City, but the proposal was flatly rejected by the club’s hierarchy. Following the refusal, the defensive midfielder boarded a late-night flight to England on Thursday.
Footage of Rodri at the boarding gate circulated on social media throughout the day. The player departed Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport for Liverpool before completing the final leg of his journey to Manchester by road.
It is understood the player’s preference was to await a final resolution from FC Barcelona after seeing City knock back two previous offers. The Catalan giants are expected to submit a third and final bid in the coming hours, with a total package worth €70 million (€60m fixed plus €10m in add-ons).
Journalist Mateo Moretto reports that a gap of around €5 million is all that separates Rodri from officially becoming a ‘cule’. However, with no agreement yet reached, the Spaniard is scheduled to resume training with City this Friday.
