Barcelona Close In on Blockbuster Deal for Man City Star Rodri
Barcelona has reached an agreement to sign Ballon d'Or winner Rodri from Manchester City in a deal worth approximately €70 million. The Spanish midfielder's return to La Liga after seven successful years at City is set to reshape Barcelona's midfield, while leaving a significant void for Pep Guardiola's side to fill.
Barcelona and Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Spanish midfielder Rodri in a deal worth around €70 million, including a fixed fee and performance-related add-ons.
Spanish media reports indicate that the clubs have reached a verbal agreement, with formal documentation now being completed, while the 30-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract that would keep him at Camp Nou until 2030.
The proposed move would mark a major statement of intent from Barcelona as they seek to strengthen their midfield. Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and developed into one of the world's premier defensive midfielders during his seven-year spell under Pep Guardiola.
He played a key role in City's Premier League dominance and their 2023 UEFA Champions League triumph, scoring the winning goal against Inter Milan, before reaching another career peak in 2024 when he won the Ballon d'Or.
Barcelona see his ability to control possession, dictate tempo and provide defensive security as qualities capable of transforming their midfield, particularly after reportedly increasing their offers following earlier rejections from City.
Rodri's departure would leave Manchester City with a significant gap in Guardiola's system, given the midfielder's influence through his passing, positioning and ability to control the rhythm of matches.
The club would now face the difficult task of finding a replacement capable of reproducing the influence of a Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder, with Chelsea's Enzo Fernández reportedly among the names being considered. For Barcelona, meanwhile, securing Rodri would represent a major coup, potentially making the Spain international the central figure in their midfield for years to come.