Rodri is set to complete a move to Barcelona after Manchester City accepted a £65.4m bid from the Spanish club. The 30-year-old World Cup winner had entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and had made it clear he wanted the opportunity to move to Barcelona.
City, who had previously rejected Barcelona's bids of around €60m (£51m) and an initial €45m (£38.5m), were reportedly reluctant sellers. However, with the Spanish international out of contract next summer, they had limited options.
Manager Enzo Maresca had called Rodri a “top player” after City’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal on Sunday, stating “all the teams need Rodri.” Despite this, City were unable to persuade their key player to sign a new contract.
City are now reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. The club has already seen significant midfield changes this summer, including spending £116m on Elliot Anderson and agreeing to sell Tijjani Reijnders.