Barcelona had originally hoped to have the deal signed off in time for the midfielder to join training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but talks have dragged on longer than expected because of a persistent gap between the two clubs' valuations, one club sources describe as significant but not irreconcilable.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has already made clear where things officially stand.
"For the moment, he'll be in Manchester on Friday," Maresca said, a remark that reflects Rodri's contractual reality rather than any softening in Barcelona's confidence that the move will happen.
Barcelona are certain Rodri will be wearing blaugrana colours for the 2026-27 season and remain confident the transfer will be finalised this week. What no Barcelona executive is currently willing to guarantee is that an agreement will be reached inside the next 48 hours, in time to prevent the midfielder rejoining City's squad on Friday.
Negotiations have progressed steadily: personal terms between Rodri and Barcelona were settled some days ago, and contact between the two clubs continues, but a financial gap remains unresolved. Barcelona's opening bid of €50 million was rejected outright, with City demanding closer to €70 million; the two sides are now working toward a figure in the region of €60-65 million, including variables, with communication described as good on both sides.
Rodri, 30, has been kept informed of developments and is aware he may need to travel to Manchester, the club he has represented since 2019, if the deal is not finalised in time.
It remains unlikely that City and Rodri will end up mirroring the arrangement Barcelona reached with Ferran Torres, who was given permission to skip training this week while his own move to PSG was finalised; Rodri's situation is not there yet, though sources at the club say nothing can be ruled out if talks accelerate sharply in the coming hours.
Both sides are working against the clock, with the outcome likely to hinge on how quickly the financial gap can be closed.