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Man City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri

August 7, 2026 by admin

Manchester City have turned down Barcelona’s initial £38.5 million offer for midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League champions reportedly valuing the Spanish international at more than £60 million. The 30-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree a new deal, fuelling uncertainty over his future this summer. As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for Rodri’s signature after receiving encouragement from the player’s camp to begin negotiations with City. The Catalan club submitted their first formal offer on Friday, but it was immediately turned down. City are willing to consider a sale but want a significant fee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains one of the most influential defensive midfielders in world football. Rodri had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but reports indicate that talks with the Spanish giants have now ended as Barcelona push ahead with their interest. Barcelona sources said discussions with the player’s representatives are ongoing, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs. Rodri’s recent seasons have been affected by injuries, including a serious knee problem that ruled him out for much of the 2024-25 campaign and a hamstring issue that disrupted his return. However, he regained his best form at the World Cup, where he helped Spain secure their second title and was named the tournament’s best player. The midfielder is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester next week to continue his rehabilitation with City. With the transfer window entering its second week of August, City are keen to resolve Rodri’s future quickly as they look to identify a possible replacement. The club are also in talks over a move for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, although the French side’s £86 million valuation remains a major obstacle. Meanwhile, reports from Spain suggest Real Madrid made a strong attempt to sign Rodri after Spain’s World Cup success. According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Rodri’s agent Pablo Barquero confirmed that Real Madrid presented an attractive offer and held positive discussions with the player’s representatives. The report stated that Real Madrid officials, including president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, made significant efforts to and complete the deal. However, Rodri eventually decided to pursue another option, leading Real Madrid toMan City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri end their interest and avoid prolonging negotiations. Barcelona’s renewed push now places them at the centre of the race for the midfielder, as City prepare to determine the future of one of their most valuable players.

EPL: Maresca Deal Faces Setback as Chelsea Seek Compensation from Man City

June 8, 2026 by admin

Talks between Chelsea and Manchester City regarding the possible appointment of Enzo Maresca as a replacement for Pep Guardiola have hit a deadlock due to disagreements over compensation. Guardiola confirmed on May 22 that he would step down from his role at City after a highly successful decade in charge, prompting the club to identify Maresca as their leading candidate to take over at the Etihad Stadium. However, discussions between the two clubs have become increasingly complicated, with Chelsea insisting they are entitled to a compensation fee for Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge only months ago while still under contract until 2029. As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, Chelsea maintain that the circumstances of his departure mean a financial settlement is required before any move can be completed, and have been exploring their legal position while talks continue. A Chelsea source said the club’s stance remains firm, noting that Maresca’s contract status means “there is an obligation for compensation to be agreed before any appointment can proceed.” City are understood to be keen to finalise an agreement quickly as they prepare for a new managerial era following Guardiola’s exit announcement, but negotiations have been slowed by the disagreement over valuation and timing. Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola during City’s Treble-winning 2022–23 season, is said to be open to returning to the club where he also spent time in the coaching setup before moving into senior management. The Italian coach later managed Leicester City, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League before his spell at Chelsea, where he won the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League. While both clubs remain in dialogue, the timeline for any potential appointment remains unclear, with the compensation issue now the key factor delaying progress.

May 22, 2026 by admin

Pep Guardiola has disclosed that fatigue and a desire for a new challenge played a major role in his decision to depart Manchester City after spending a historic 10 years in charge of the club. Guardiola confirmed that Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa will be his final match as City manager, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola said he believes the team now needs “new energy” to continue progressing. “I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now, and you start to write another chapter,” he said. The 55-year-old admitted that the relentless demands of modern football had taken a toll on him after nearly two decades of constant management. “I feel I will not have the energy that is required, every three days, the expectations to fight for the titles, with being in front of the players,” Guardiola explained. Although he will remain linked with the City Football Group in a global ambassadorial role, Guardiola said he plans to step away from coaching for a period. “I will not train for a while,” he stated. Guardiola reflected on the intensity of his managerial career, which began at Barcelona before continuing at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. “It’s not 10 years. I’ve been, except for a year in New York, I’ve been 17, 18 years, every three days, three days, three days,” he said. “I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I’ll be a while, that is my feeling right now.” Guardiola leaves Manchester City widely regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history after transforming the side into a dominant force in English and European football.

EPL: John Stones Announces Man City Departure After 10 Years

April 28, 2026 by admin

England defender ,John Stones has confirmed he will depart Manchester City at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on his 10-year stint with the club. The 31-year-old, whose contract expires this summer, joined City from Everton in 2016 for £47.5 million and went on to become a key figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Stones helped City secure multiple major honours, including six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, and five League Cups. As reported by BBC Sport on Tuesday, reflecting on his journey, Stones said he had achieved everything he set out to accomplish at the club. “It has been my home for the past 10 years, and it will be my home for the rest of my life. “I lived all my dreams out and lifted all the things that I came here to achieve,” he said. Stones was one of the early signings under manager Pep Guardiola and credited him for playing a major role in his development. He evolved into a versatile defender under Guardiola, even stepping into midfield roles during key matches, including City’s 2023 Champions League triumph. Despite his success, Stones’ later years at City were affected by injuries, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. He featured sparingly in the current campaign but remained an experienced presence within the squad. Stones’ departure marks another significant change in the City squad as the club continues to evolve. He leaves as one of the most decorated defenders in the club’s history, having played a crucial role in their domestic and European dominance. With his exit confirmed, attention will now turn to his next destination as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

Man City’ll Not See ‘best’ Rodri Until Next Season – Guardiola

October 3, 2025 by admin

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to wait until next season to see the best of Rodri again as the Spanish midfielder slowly finds his feet after knee surgery. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed last weekend’s 5-1 win over Burnley due to pain in the knee — 12 months after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage. The 29-year-old made his return in May but has suffered a series of minor setbacks. “Rodri is an outstanding player, everyone knows it,” said Guardiola on Friday. “Maybe he struggled to understand it’s not about six months or 12, the World Cup will be the best Rodri, and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is how to handle it. “One year he has been out. The body changes, the rhythm changes, it’s a question of time; if he’s healthy, he will be back.” To cover Rodri’s absence, City splashed out £50 million ($67 million) on Nico Gonzalez in January, but he has struggled to match the levels of his compatriot. The former Barcelona midfielder replaced Rodri for the final 30 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Monaco and conceded a late penalty that cost City victory. “He’s learning and improving. We need him”, said Guardiola, referring to Gonzalez. “Rodri can’t sustain the rhythm for games for 90 minutes. He made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli, and especially Arsenal. “I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there, but I have to protect the players.” Despite dropping two points in Monaco, a draw extended City’s unbeaten run to six games in all competitions. City suffered their first trophyless campaign for eight years last season, and Guardiola is encouraged by the progress he sees after refreshing his squad with several younger players. “The happiest feeling is how we have improved. I love that feeling. And the feeling that I think we can do better,” he said. “That is the feeling that I like as a manager. The feeling we are creating again — the tempo, the pace. “Everything is a little bit more fluid and consistent. But we can do better, and I love that.” City, who sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, travel to Brentford on Sunday. AFP

Man City Fined £1m After Delayed Premier League Kick-Offs

June 19, 2025 by admin

Manchester City have been fined more than £1 million by the Premier League over delayed kick-offs in nine matches last season. Premier League officials announced on Thursday that Pep Guardiola’s side had breached rules around kick-off and restart times between October and February. The longest delay was two minutes and 24 seconds before the resumption of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford in December. The Premier League said City had accepted the breaches and apologised for the incidents. The fines total £1.08 million ($1.45 million). “Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs,” a Premier League statement said. “It also ensures the broadcast of every Premier League match is kept to schedule.” It is not the first time City have been in trouble for their tardy kick-offs. The club were fined more than £2 million last year for 22 breaches of the kick-off and restart rules. Guardiola’s men finished third in the Premier League last season as their four-year reign as champions came to an end. City, who also suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace, are currently playing in the Club World Cup in the United States. AFP

Man City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri

EPL: Maresca Deal Faces Setback as Chelsea Seek Compensation from Man City

EPL: John Stones Announces Man City Departure After 10 Years

Man City’ll Not See ‘best’ Rodri Until Next Season – Guardiola

Man City Fined £1m After Delayed Premier League Kick-Offs

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