Barcelona finalise Rodri transfer from Manchester City in $87.8 million deal
The 30-year-old midfielder signs a multi-year contract, reuniting with seven Spain teammates as Barcelona bolster their squad ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy.
Barcelona has completed the signing of Rodri from Manchester City, securing the services of the Spain captain on a multi-year contract. According to Fox Sports, the transfer fee is reported at $87.8 million, structured with an initial payment of $68.8 million and achievable add-ons that could raise the total package to at least $82 million.
The 30-year-old midfielder arrives at the Catalan club fresh from leading La Roja to a second World Cup trophy this summer, a campaign in which he was named the tournament’s Golden Ball recipient. The move marks the end of his seven-year tenure in the Premier League, where he established himself as a central figure in Manchester City’s midfield operations.
Rodri’s return to Spanish football sees him reunite with seven of his World Cup-winning teammates at Barcelona. The squad includes Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal. This consolidation of the national team’s core represents a significant structural shift for the club as it prepares for the upcoming domestic and European campaigns.
The transfer concludes a protracted negotiation process that began with Manchester City rejecting an initial offer of £38.5 million. Reports indicate an agreed fee of approximately £65 million with add-ons up to £75 million was reached before the finalisation of the current deal. Rodri is entering the final year of his contract with the English club at the time of departure.
During his time at Manchester City, Rodri made 298 appearances and secured 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in the 2022-23 season. His previous career in Spain included spells at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid before his 2019 move to the Etihad Stadium.
Barcelona is expected to present Rodri before Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly at Camp Nou. He joins a busy summer transfer window for the club, arriving alongside new signings Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu, and João Cancelo.
