Barcelona have officially announced the signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City. The 30-year-old midfielder will join the Camp Nou side on a contract until 2030, after undergoing a medical and completing all transfer formalities between the two clubs.
According to the disclosed details, Barcelona will pay Manchester City a transfer fee of €76.5 million (around $88.5 million). Rodri, who had one year remaining on his contract with the Manchester club, flew to Barcelona on Monday and expressed his delight at joining the Catalan side.
“Very happy to be here. For me, playing for Barcelona is a dream. I’m eager to play alongside my teammates, many of whom I already know. Now it’s time to get to work and give my all,” Rodri told the press briefly upon his arrival in Barcelona.
Rodri was a key figure in Spain’s run to the 2026 World Cup title, which they sealed by beating Argentina in the final. He was named the tournament’s best player and also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2024 after guiding Spain to European Championship glory. At Barcelona, he will reunite with his national teammates Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri.
Real Madrid had also been linked with Rodri, but Spanish media reported that the two sides could not reach an agreement. Rodri’s departure further weakens Manchester City’s midfield, following Bernardo Silva’s move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona, who are targeting a third consecutive La Liga title, have significantly strengthened their squad this summer. In addition to Rodri, the Catalan club have signed forward Anthony Gordon from English football to cover for the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The club is also close to completing the signing of defender Joao Cancelo.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He scored the decisive goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan. In Manchester City’s most recent match, Rodri did not feature in the 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, as he was recovering from a minor back surgery undergone after the World Cup.
