Chelsea set Friday deadline for Fernández as City reject Barcelona’s €60m (£51m) bid for Rodri

On 13 August 2026, Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s second bid of around €60m (£51m) for Rodri and Chelsea set a 5pm (BST) Friday deadline for clubs to lodge a £120m offer for Enzo Fernández in the transfer window.

Barcelona had earlier tabled an initial offer of €45m which was improved on Tuesday but dismissed by City; the Premier League club are thought to be seeking between £60m and £65m for the Spain midfielder. Rodri, who captained Spain to World Cup victory and is a former Ballon d’Or winner, has reportedly expressed a preference for Barcelona, a choice City accept makes a move to the Camp Nou all but inevitable.

Chelsea have identified Enzo Fernández as a potential replacement and have set a firm valuation. The club require an official bid of £120m by 5pm on Friday or, as their stance states, the 25-year-old will remain their player; Chelsea point to the two months of the transfer window in which suitors have been able to firm up interest.

The club described Fernández as their captain and noted his status as a World Cup winner at Qatar 2022 when outlining why he would be considered for the role, saying he would add seniority and leadership. Chelsea’s deadline is intended to produce an immediate decision on whether the midfielder will be available to other clubs before the close of the trading window.

To help generate funds for potential acquisitions, Manchester City are exploring outgoing business. Discussions are advanced with Al-Qadsiah over a package worth around €60m for Tijjani Reijnders, the 28-year-old Dutchman who joined last summer, according to the reporting on the talks.

City’s rejection of Barcelona’s improved proposal and Chelsea’s set deadline leave clear immediate steps: Barcelona may need to up their offer closer to City’s reported valuation, and interested clubs must submit a formal £120m bid for Fernández by 5pm (BST) on Friday or accept that he will remain at Chelsea.