Barcelona are pushing to finalize their acquisition of Spanish midfielder Rodri before the Joan Gamper Trophy match scheduled for August 19. The Catalan club has already secured a personal agreement with the Manchester City player and aims to complete all remaining formalities by early next week, potentially allowing him to participate in the traditional pre-season encounter.
The club’s confidence stems from Rodri’s clear desire to join Barcelona, combined with progress in negotiations with Manchester City. After two initial bids were rejected, Barcelona submitted a third offer that has brought the two clubs closer to reaching consensus. If discussions proceed as planned, the deal could be finalized between Sunday and Monday, leaving sufficient time for necessary administrative procedures and travel arrangements.
Rodri’s availability represents a significant boost for Barcelona’s ambitions. The midfielder recently demonstrated his quality at the World Cup, earning individual accolades while helping Spain claim the tournament. Though questions existed regarding his recovery from a serious knee injury, his commanding international performance has reassured Barcelona that he can make an immediate impact at the club.
While Barcelona remains optimistic about presenting their new acquisition at the Joan Gamper Trophy, officials have acknowledged that his participation in the actual match remains uncertain. The focus currently centers on resolving final details with Manchester City and ensuring the midfielder completes all required formalities before the fixture.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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