Barcelona have been in negotiations with Manchester City to try to sign Spanish midfielder Rodri this summer.
However, it looks like it is not just the Catalan club who are interested in signing a player from the Premier League team.
Manchester City also have a Barça player on their radar whom they could sign to bolster the midfield in the coming days.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Tommy Marques looks increasingly likely to leave Barcelona before the summer transfer window closes.
Barça and the 19-year-old have already held discussions over a permanent transfer that would include a buyback clause, allowing the Catalans to retain long-term control.
Manchester City have a plan for Tommy
Manchester City’s interest goes beyond simply signing the youngster.
The Premier League giants are considering purchasing Tommy before immediately sending him on loan to Girona, giving him regular first-team football while keeping him within the City Football Group development pathway.
The move would mirror City’s approach with several young talents in recent years, allowing them to gain top-flight experience before competing for a place at the Etihad Stadium.
Other suitors for Tommy
However, the Cityzens are not alone in their interest in signing Tommy.
Braga are understood to be pushing hardest for Tommy’s signature, with head coach Carlos Vicens, formerly part of City’s academy setup, keen to bring the Spaniard to Portugal.
Borussia Dortmund have also expressed interest in the 19-year-old La Masia prospect, continuing the strong relationship between the German club and Barcelona following recent business, including Karim Adeyemi’s move to Catalonia.
Rodri arrival changes the picture
Barcelona have decided to push to sign Rodri this summer, and that decision has directly influenced Tommy’s future.
Earlier in the summer, the teenager was expected to remain with the first team and fill the role vacated by Marc Casado, who is expected to be sold.
However, Rodri’s imminent arrival would further crowd an already competitive midfield, making a move away the most logical solution for all parties.
Crucially, Barça are not looking to cut ties permanently, understanding the obvious talent and potential that the 19-year-old possesses.
Instead, the club’s preferred formula is a permanent sale with a buyback option and a sell-on clause, similar to deals they have completed with several academy graduates in recent years.
That structure would allow Tommy to continue his development elsewhere while ensuring Barcelona retain the opportunity to bring him back if he fulfils his considerable potential.
Rodri’s arrival could lead to an exit or two at Barça, and it looks like Tommy Marques is set to become the first casualty of the operation.
