Daijiworld Media Network - Barcelona
Barcelona, Aug 14: Barcelona's agreement to sell Spanish forward Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain could provide a major boost to the club's pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the deal improving its financial position and Financial Fair Play (FFP) flexibility.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the agreement for Torres has given Barcelona greater financial room as negotiations with Manchester City enter their final stages. The Catalan club is now believed to be approaching the discussions with greater confidence.
The financial gap between Barcelona and Manchester City has narrowed in recent days, with the difference reportedly around €5 million. The negotiations are now focused on finding a compromise between Barcelona's valuation of Rodri and City's demands.
Barcelona have already had two offers rejected for the Spain international, but the agreement to sell Torres could provide the additional financial flexibility needed to make a final push for the midfielder.
The Torres deal, reportedly worth close to €50 million, is significant for Barcelona beyond the transfer fee. His departure would also create additional room within the club's FFP limits, allowing Barcelona more flexibility in completing a deal for Rodri.
Despite the progress, Rodri's transfer is not yet complete. The midfielder was still expected to report for Manchester City's training session, with no cancellation of his scheduled involvement as of Thursday evening.
Rodri had spent Thursday in Madrid while awaiting clarity over his future. There had been hopes that Manchester City would allow him to miss training, similar to the arrangement involving Torres, but that permission did not materialise.
The Spain international subsequently travelled back to England and was seen at Madrid's Barajas Airport before boarding a flight to Liverpool, from where he could continue his journey to Manchester.
Barcelona are now hoping the financial boost from Torres' departure will help bridge the remaining gap and bring Rodri closer to a move to the Catalan club.