Rodri Joins Barcelona in £65.4 Million Transfer from Manchester City
Rodri has finalized a transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City for £65.4 million. The midfielder, who excelled during Spain’s World Cup victory this summer and was named player of the tournament, completed his medical at the club on Tuesday. He has signed a four-year contract at the renowned Camp Nou.
During his seven seasons at Manchester City, Rodri contributed to the team winning the Premier League title four times and scored the crucial goal that led to their victory over Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final. Barcelona announced the transfer agreement on their website, stating that Rodri will commit to the club until June 30, 2030.
The statement described Rodri as “one of the best players in the world in his position,” highlighting his tactical intelligence, composure, ability to regain possession, and precise passing skills.
Upon his arrival at Barcelona’s El Prat airport on Monday to finalize the move, Rodri expressed his excitement, saying, “Playing for Barcelona is a dream come true for me.” He previously joined Manchester City in July 2019 from Atletico Madrid for a then-record fee of £62.6 million and was entering the final year of his contract with City.
Barcelona initially made a £40 million offer, which was rejected, before finally reaching an agreement on Sunday. The club’s new manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged his desire to retain Rodri, who is a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
In light of his transfer, Rodri shared an emotional farewell message to City fans on the club’s website. He reflected on his time at the club, stating, “I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try.” He acknowledged the legacy created by City and the support of their fans, saying, “This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be blue.”
Manchester City has already seen club captain Bernardo Silva depart for Real Madrid this summer and has agreed to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. Meanwhile, City secured the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and is reportedly pursuing Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
Rodri has completed his move to Barcelona from Manchester City.
The midfielder, named player of the tournament during Spain’s World Cup triumph this summer, completed a £65.4million transfer on Tuesday after undergoing his medical with the club.
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He has signed a four-year deal at the Camp Nou.
Rodri spent seven seasons at City, helping them win the Premier League title on four occasions and scoring the decisive goal as they beat Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.
“Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for Rodri, who is committing to the Catalan club until June 30 2030,” read a statement from the LaLiga champions on their website.
Barca’s statement added Rodri is “considered one of the best players in the world in his position”, adding he “stands out for his tactical intelligence, composure on the ball, ability to regain possession and precision in his passing”.
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Rodri flew to Barcelona’s El Prat airport on Monday ahead of the finishing touches to his move being finalised and told reporters: “Playing for Barcelona is a dream come true for me.”
Rodri, who joined from Atletico Madrid in July 2019 when City paid a then club-record £62.6m, had entered into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
Barcelona saw an initial £40m offer and an increased bid turned down before an agreement was struck on Sunday, despite new City boss Enzo Maresca admitting he wanted to keep the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Rodri said ‘playing for Barcelona is a dream come true for me’ (Reuters)
While an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 2024-25 season and hamstring and groin problems in the 2025-26 season – Pep Guardiola’s last at the club – have restricted his involvement, he was at his best for Spain in North America.
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In a message to City fans on the club’s website, Rodri wrote: “I found that saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things in life but I am going to try.
“I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect.
“We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way.
“City didn’t just make me grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS.
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“Manchester shaped my whole life. It’s time to say goodbye, thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my team-mates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be blue.”
City have already seen club captain and Rodri’s fellow midfielder Bernardo Silva walk out the door this summer after joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, while they have agreed a deal to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
However, Elliot Anderson has joined from Nottingham Forest for £116m and City have also been linked with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
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