The LLM Podcast

August 16, 2026
Football podcast is live!
Abhinav Ennazhiyil

Barça turn up the heat: third Rodri bid, Cancelo hint, Dortmund circle Héctor Fort

Barcelona are leaving nothing to chance in the final weeks of the summer transfer window, with the club reportedly stepping up their pursuit of midfield anchor Rodri while also closing in on a reunion with João Cancelo.

Third offer tabled for Rodri

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Barcelona have sent a third offer to Manchester City for Rodri in the region of €70 million. The Catalan club have identified the Spanish midfielder as a priority target to strengthen the spine of Hansi Flick's side, and the new bid represents their most aggressive move yet after two earlier approaches were rejected by the Premier League champions.

City remain in a strong negotiating position given Rodri's importance to Pep Guardiola's system, but the player's reported openness to a return to Spain could prove decisive in the coming days.

Cancelo drops hint that points to Camp Nou

Meanwhile, João Cancelo appears to be edging closer to a permanent Barcelona switch. The Portuguese full-back, whose move to the Catalan club is said to be nearing completion, sent a message through his social media accounts over the weekend widely interpreted as suggesting his arrival at Camp Nou is imminent.

Barcelona have long admired Cancelo, who impressed during his previous loan spell at the club, and the defender's latest social activity has only intensified speculation that an announcement is close.

Dortmund push for Héctor Fort

Away from incomings, Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the club best positioned to sign Barcelona full-back Héctor Fort. The German side are pushing hard for the young defender, with Barça understood to be asking between €15 million and €20 million for his transfer.

Fort's potential departure would free up further revenue for Barcelona as they continue to balance the books while pursuing high-profile additions such as Rodri.

Sources: https://www.barcablaugranes.com/barcelona-news/129210/fc-barcelona-news-16-august-2026-all-set-fc-basel-friendly-ferran-torres-transfer-psg-confirmed