Rodri missed a large portion of the 2024-25 season with a serious knee injury, having also dealt with a hamstring problem the year before.
Even so, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner rediscovered top form at the summer World Cup, guiding Spain to a second title and earning player of the tournament honors.
He had said earlier this season that his future would be resolved after the World Cup, but he is currently sidelined following back surgery.
Manchester City are on a pre-season tour in the Far East and play Arsenal in the Community Shield next Sunday, yet Rodri has not joined the squad.
When he returns, he must decide whether to accept City’s contract offer, run down the final months of his deal and leave as a free agent next summer, or pursue a move back to Spain.
City sources have told BBC Sport they expect him to stay next season, and that only a substantial bid would prompt them to consider a sale.
A switch to Barcelona would place him with the league’s back-to-back champions and reunite him with Spain teammates Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Pedri.
He could also quickly cross paths with former City colleague Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid—now managed by the returning José Mourinho—on a free transfer this summer.
However, a move to Barça may not be universally popular. Given his past at Atlético Madrid and his previous comment about not turning down Real, the reception at Camp Nou could be complicated if he chose Barcelona.