Barcelona secure Rodri in £65m deal as Manchester City face midfield transition
The 30-year-old midfielder leaves Manchester City after seven trophy-laden seasons, with the transfer expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City for approximately £65 million, according to reports from BBC Sport. The 30-year-old midfielder is set to sign a four-year contract with the Spanish champions, marking a significant shift in the European football landscape as the World Cup winners look to bolster their squad for the upcoming campaign.
The transfer is expected to be finalised in the coming days, concluding a period of intense speculation surrounding the player's future. Rodri, who was named Player of the Tournament at the recent World Cup, led Spain to their second global title and won the Ballon d'Or in 2024. His move represents a major acquisition for Barcelona, who are seeking to maintain their competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.
Rodri’s departure leaves a substantial void at Manchester City, where he made 298 appearances across seven seasons after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then-club record £62.8 million. During his tenure, he secured 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in the 2022-23 season.
The midfielder’s recent career has been marked by significant injury disruptions. He missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury, and parts of the previous season were affected by a hamstring issue. Despite these setbacks, he returned to peak form for the World Cup, starting all eight of Spain’s matches and cementing his status as one of the world’s premier midfielders.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has addressed the situation, confirming that Rodri is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Monday. Maresca stated that the player will require rest and recuperation following the procedure, while simultaneously dismissing transfer speculation prior to the match. The manager’s comments suggest a focus on the player’s health and immediate recovery, even as the transfer to Barcelona moves towards completion.
The timing of the surgery and the transfer finalisation coincide with a busy period for both clubs. Manchester City is preparing for the Community Shield match against Arsenal on 16 August, while Barcelona looks to integrate their new signing into the squad. The deal underscores the ongoing financial and strategic dynamics between Europe’s top clubs, as Barcelona invests heavily in experienced talent following their recent international success.
