Barcelona Agree €75m Deal to Sign Rodri from Manchester City
Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spanish midfielder Rodri for a reported fee of €75 million ($87 million), according to a source from the Catalan club.
The 30-year-old Spain captain is expected to complete the move to Camp Nou in the coming days, with Barcelona set to formally announce the transfer once the necessary procedures are concluded.
“In the coming days, there will be a statement and (the transfer) will become official,” the Barcelona source told AFP on Sunday.
Rodri had attracted interest from Spanish rivals Real Madrid following Spain’s World Cup triumph in July, but Barcelona moved decisively to secure the midfielder, who has been a key figure in Manchester City’s success since joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
The Ballon d’Or winner in 2024 has endured injury problems over the past two seasons but returned to prominence during Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.
Barcelona’s decision to pursue Rodri was also influenced by the expected absence of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is set to spend several months on the sidelines through injury.
The Catalan club reportedly had two bids for Rodri rejected by Manchester City before the parties eventually reached an agreement on Sunday.
Rodri played a pivotal role in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side, helping the club win the 2023 UEFA Champions League and four Premier League titles, among 12 major trophies during his spell at the Etihad Stadium.
His arrival would make him one of several high-profile additions to Barcelona’s squad this summer.
The Spanish champions are also expected to complete a deal for Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo in the coming days after the defender spent last season on loan at the Catalan club from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.
Agency Report
