Spain international Rodri has officially joined Barcelona from Manchester City in a deal worth approximately £65 million. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who was also named player of the tournament during Spain’s 2026 World Cup victory, has committed to a four-year contract at the Nou Camp. This move marks his return to Spanish football for the first time since his 2019 departure from Atletico Madrid.
Reflecting on the transfer, the 30-year-old midfielder expressed his eagerness to embrace a new challenge. “I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again,” he stated. Rodri noted that he was drawn to Barcelona’s ambition, which he believes aligns well with his own personality, and he intends to contribute immediately to the club’s objectives for the current season.
The midfielder also shared his enthusiasm for working under Barcelona’s German manager, Hansi Flick. Rodri described the appointment as a positive development for his career, noting that Flick’s tactical style offers a fresh perspective that will help him continue to evolve as a player. Upon his arrival in Barcelona on Monday, he told reporters at the airport that playing for the Catalan side is a “dream” for him.
Rodri’s exit concludes a seven-season tenure at Manchester City, where he made 298 appearances and secured 12 major trophies. His collection at the Etihad includes four Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the 2023 Champions League. In a farewell message to City supporters, he expressed immense pride and gratitude for his time in Manchester, noting that the club helped him grow both as a professional and as a person, while also referencing personal milestones like his brother’s graduation from Manchester Metropolitan University.
The transfer process followed the expiration of the final 12 months of Rodri’s contract at City. Although the Premier League club sought an extension, negotiations proved unsuccessful. While Real Madrid had previously been linked to the player—with Rodri noting in March that one “can’t turn down the best clubs in the world”—they ultimately ended their interest. Barcelona, having received the player’s approval to negotiate, saw an initial £38.5m bid rejected before reaching the final agreement.
This departure is part of a broader period of transition at Manchester City. Long-serving manager Pep Guardiola stepped down this summer after a decade at the helm, and veteran players John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left the club. Silva has since joined Real Madrid, setting the stage for a potential reunion in El Clasico.
City’s summer roster changes have been extensive, including the sales of defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji, as well as goalkeeper James Trafford. Furthermore, the club is nearing the sale of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. To bolster their squad, City recently signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m and are currently in advanced discussions with Lille regarding teenage Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Amidst these changes, reports indicate that Enzo Maresca’s side remains interested in securing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. As Rodri embarks on his new chapter in Catalonia, his legacy as “the professor” of the Manchester City midfield remains a significant part of the club’s recent history. The report also notes that so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season, i’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality. The report also notes that so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player, it’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before. The report also notes that in a farewell message to City fans, Rodri said: “I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories.
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