La Liga manager still hopeful of retaining Barcelona-bound midfield ace

Over the past couple of days, it has become quite clear that Guido Rodriguez is all set to join FC Barcelona from Real Betis as a free agent in the summer.

The Argentine international’s current contract with Los Verdiblancos expires at the end of the season and there has been no progress on the renewal front.

In fact, it is being claimed that the 30-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona and will be headed for the Catalan capital come July.

Manuel Pellegrini not throwing in the towel

Despite things appearing advanced as far as Rodriguez’s move to Barcelona is concerned, Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini is refusing to give up hope of retaining him beyond this season.

On the possible departures of Rodriguez, who has a pre-agreement with Barcelona, and German Pezzella, who is in talks with River Plate, Pellegrini said (h/t Mundo Deportivo):

“I hope they will be with us next season.”

Guido Rodriguez has a pre-contract agreement with Barça. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Further elaborating on his comments, the Real Betis boss added: “There is a lot of speculation about the departure of many Betis players. Right now they are part of the squad and we have four very important games left.

“Let’s not dismiss them too quickly, it’s not that easy. We’ll see what happens when the season is over. I hope they’ll be with us next season.”

Rodriguez’s contract at Barcelona decided

As was reported on Thursday, Rodriguez and Barcelona already have a verbal agreement over his contract at the club, and only the formalising of the deal remains.

The 30-year-old defensive pivot will sign a two-year contract with the Blaugrana with the option of extending it by another twelve months which would keep him at the club until 2027.

Barça are waiting for their FFP issues to be clarified before formalising the signing.