In a major summer transfer shake-up that has sent ripples through European football, Spanish champions Barcelona have finalized an agreement to bring 30-year-old Spanish World Cup-winning captain Rodri to Camp Nou from English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City, an anonymous source from the Catalan club confirmed to AFP on Sunday.
Industry reports place the transfer fee for the decorated midfielder at roughly €75 million, equal to approximately $87 million. According to the insider, the move will be formalized imminently, with an official club statement expected in the coming days to confirm the transfer.
Rodri, who claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2024, has been one of the most sought-after midfielders in global football since establishing himself as a linchpin at Manchester City following his 2019 move to the Etihad Stadium. His stellar leadership was central to Spain’s second World Cup triumph in July this year, despite having battled recurring injury problems over the past two seasons that limited his playing time.
The Spanish World Cup winner was initially linked with a move to arch-rivals Real Madrid following the tournament, but Barcelona quickly emerged as the leading suitor to land the former Atletico Madrid playmaker. The Catalan side’s urgent need for midfield reinforcement was accelerated by a long-term injury to key Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is set to be sidelined for several months. After having two earlier bids for Rodri rejected by Manchester City, Barcelona’s persistence paid off with a breakthrough agreement reached on Sunday.
During his five-year tenure at Manchester City, Rodri proved irreplaceable under manager Pep Guardiola, leading the club to 12 major honors. These include the 2023 UEFA Champions League title and four consecutive Premier League trophies, cementing his status as one of the most influential defensive midfielders of his generation.
Rodri’s transfer marks the latest high-profile arrival at Camp Nou this summer, following the completed moves of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu to the club. Barcelona is also on the cusp of finalizing a permanent deal for Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at the club from Saudi side Al Hilal, with that announcement also expected in the near future.