Barcelona have confirmed the signing of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth around £65m. The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, has penned a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, marking his return to Spanish football after leaving Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri departs Manchester City after seven seasons, during which he made 298 appearances and secured 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023. Despite injury disruptions in his final two seasons, he regained peak form for this summer's World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy.
Initially, Real Madrid appeared to be in pole position to sign Rodri as his City contract neared its end. However, Barcelona secured Rodri's approval to initiate negotiations with City, leading to Real Madrid ending their interest. After City rejected an initial £38.5m offer, an agreement was reached. Rodri arrived in Barcelona on Monday, expressing to journalists that playing for the Catalan side is a "dream."