Barcelona Agree €75m Deal to Sign World Cup Winner Rodri from Manchester City

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spanish midfielder Rodri in a deal worth around €75m ($87m), according to a source from the Catalan club.

The 30-year-old Spain international is expected to move to Camp Nou after Barcelona and City reached an agreement on Sunday, with the transfer set to be officially announced in the coming days.

“In the coming days, there will be a statement and (the transfer) will become official,” the Barcelona source told AFP.

Rodri had attracted interest from Real Madrid following Spain’s World Cup triumph in July, but Barcelona ultimately moved decisively for the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.

The Spaniard has been one of the most influential players in Manchester City’s success since joining the club in 2019. He played a central role in City’s 2023 Champions League triumph and four Premier League title victories, while also helping the club win a total of 12 major trophies.

Rodri’s individual achievements have also been significant. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2024 and subsequently played a key role in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign.

However, injuries have disrupted his last two seasons and could make his arrival at Barcelona an important addition to a midfield that has recently suffered its own setbacks.

Barcelona’s decision to pursue Rodri was reportedly accelerated by the injury suffered by Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to spend several months on the sidelines.

The Spanish champions had previously seen two offers for Rodri rejected before eventually reaching an agreement with Manchester City.

Rodri is now set to become another major addition to Barcelona’s squad this summer, following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu.

His experience, defensive intelligence and ability to control matches are expected to strengthen Hansi Flick’s midfield as Barcelona prepare to defend their domestic title and compete for major honours in Europe.

The move would also represent an emotional return to Spain for Rodri, who developed through Atletico Madrid’s system before establishing himself as one of Europe’s elite midfielders at Manchester City.

Barcelona are also expected to complete a deal for Joao Cancelo in the coming days after the Portugal international spent last season on loan at the Catalan club from Al Hilal.

With Rodri and Cancelo potentially joining the squad, Barcelona are shaping up for another ambitious campaign as they seek to strengthen their position among Europe’s elite.