Rodri completes Barcelona move, calls it 'a dream' as he joins Spanish giants
Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri arrived in Barcelona on Monday to finalise his transfer from Manchester City, expressing his excitement at joining the Catalan club. The 30-year-old midfielder is set to undergo a medical on Tuesday as both clubs exchange documentation to complete the deal.
Barcelona have agreed to pay Manchester City a fee of €76.5 million (approximately $88.5 million), according to a person familiar with the transaction who spoke on condition of anonymity because details have not been made public. The move brings an end to Rodri's seven-year spell at City, where he established himself as one of the world's finest midfielders.
Speaking briefly to reporters upon his arrival, Rodri said: "Very happy to arrive. There have been some very intense days, but I'm happy that everything has been resolved. For me it's a dream to play for Barcelona. I'm excited about being with my teammates, many of them I already know. Now it's time to get to work and give my best."
Rodri's move to Barcelona reunites him with several of his Spain international teammates, including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi and Pedri. He will also link up with new signing Anthony Gordon, who was brought in to help offset the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. The club is also expected to add defender João Cancelo in the coming days.
The transfer comes after a standout year for Rodri, who helped Spain secure their second World Cup title last month. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. His performances followed a season in which he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final and claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2024 after helping Spain win the European Championship.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atlético Madrid in 2019. During his time at the Etihad, he won multiple Premier League titles, the Champions League, and several domestic cups. His departure further weakens City's midfield after Bernardo Silva left for Real Madrid earlier in the offseason.
Real Madrid were also reportedly interested in signing Rodri, who had previously spoken warmly about the club. However, Barcelona moved swiftly to secure his signature, with the player said to be keen on a return to Spain.
Rodri did not play in City's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, as he continues to recover from minor back surgery undergone after the World Cup. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will be hoping Rodri can regain full fitness quickly to bolster a squad chasing a third consecutive La Liga title.
The transfer, once officially confirmed, will be seen as a major statement by Barcelona as they look to build on recent domestic success and compete strongly in Europe.
