AFCON 2025
Barcelona have completed an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spain international Rodri, ending a summer-long chase that also involved Real Madrid. The Catalan club’s third bid proved successful, with City accepting a package worth up to €76.5 million after rejecting two earlier offers from sporting director Deco.
Football transfers expert, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move was done, while David Ornstein reported the structure includes an initial €60 million fee plus €16.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Rodri’s decision to snub Real Madrid reportedly came down to a personal call from Hansi Flick, who convinced him of a central role in Barcelona’s midfield. His agent later confirmed on Spanish radio that the player preferred the Catalan project despite a competitive personal offer from Madrid.
The direction of travel was clear on Sunday when Rodri was left out of City’s Community Shield squad, a game they lost 3-0 to Arsenal at Wembley, with the omission tied directly to the ongoing talks.
Rodri joins on the back of a stellar World Cup campaign with Spain, where he captained the side to the trophy and was named the tournament’s best player. The reigning LA Liga champions see him as a statement signing to anchor Flick’s midfield while Frenkie de Jong recovers from a knee injury.
Manchester City are now set to close a deal for Ayyoub Bouaddi with Lille following Rodri’s sale to Barcelona. Personal terms were agreed days ago, and City have decided the Moroccan midfielder will join immediately rather than wait until 2027.
Barcelona hope to complete the paperwork in time to parade Rodri at Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy against Al Ahly, where he is expected to line up alongside compatriot Pedri as the club push for silverware on multiple fronts this season.
