Barcelona Signs Rodri from Manchester City for £65 Million
Barcelona has confirmed the signing of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a deal valued at approximately £65 million. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has committed to a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, making his return to Spanish football after a stint that ended in 2019 when he played for Atletico Madrid.
At 30 years old, Rodri departs City after a seven-year tenure, during which he made 298 appearances and helped the club secure 12 significant trophies. His achievements include four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League title in 2023. Although his last two seasons at the club were marred by injuries, he found his form again during this summer’s World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best player as Spain claimed the trophy for the second time.
Initially, Real Madrid appeared to be in the running to acquire Rodri as he approached the final year of his City contract. However, sources indicated to BBC Sport that Barcelona had received Rodri’s approval to initiate talks with City. Eventually, Real Madrid withdrew their interest, and after City rejected Barcelona’s initial offer of £38.5 million, both clubs came to an agreement.
On Monday, Rodri arrived in Barcelona and expressed to reporters at the airport that playing for the Catalan club is a “dream.”
More updates will follow.
Barcelona have announced the signing of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a deal worth in the region of £65m.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has signed a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, returning to Spanish football for the first time since 2019 when he played for Atletico Madrid.
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Rodri, 30, leaves City after seven seasons at the club, having made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023.
His final two seasons at the club were disrupted by injury but he returned to his best form for this summer’s World Cup, being named player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy for the second time.
Real Madrid looked best placed to sign Rodri as he entered the final 12 months of his City contract, but sources told BBC Sport Barcelona had Rodri’s approval to open negotiations with City.
Real Madrid ended their interest and after City rejected Barcelona’s opening offer of £38.5m, an agreement was reached.
On Monday, Rodri flew to Barcelona and told journalists at the airport that it is a “dream” to play for the Catalan side.
More to follow.
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