Barcelona has officially acquired Manchester City midfielder Rodri for an initial fee of €60 million (£51 million / $69 million), as confirmed by both clubs.
Should certain performance-related add-ons be fulfilled, City could earn an extra €16.5 million (£14 million / $19 million) in the future.
The 30-year-old Rodri has signed a four-year contract with the Spanish champions. Reports suggest he turned down a proposal from Real Madrid in favor of joining Spotify Camp Nou.
“I’m thrilled to be here. It’s a truly special day and marks an important new chapter in my career,” he expressed during his introductory press conference.
“It was a difficult choice because I was leaving City, who have done so much for me. I was very happy there and will always be thankful for their support in making this transition possible.”
“Barcelona has always served as a standard for me due to its values and style of play. While I did receive another offer, Barça was my priority, and I communicated that to the club’s management.”
The captain of Spain, who recently earned the Player of the Tournament title in the World Cup, strengthens a midfield that already features talents like Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, and Fermín López.
Initially, Barça did not plan on urgently needing a midfielder this summer. However, with Rodri’s availability and just one year left on his City contract, they acted swiftly.
With de Jong sidelined due to injury and coach Hansi Flick eager to add leadership to the team, Rodri was seen as a significant acquisition to bolster Barça’s midfield performance immediately.
“We require players with leadership on the pitch,” Flick asserted in April, despite celebrating consecutive LaLiga titles. “This is crucial during key moments.”
“It’s about communicating with teammates—whether it’s a simple adjustment in positioning or pressing. We need more vocal leaders on the field.”
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“In training, I feel great. However, during crucial moments like quarterfinals or semifinals in the Champions League, we require players who can direct and guide us on the pitch.”
Rodri began his career at Villarreal and Atlético Madrid before joining City in 2019.
Since then, he has achieved almost every major title in football, both as a team player and individually.
In addition to winning four Premier League titles and a Champions League title with City, he has also claimed both the European Championship and World Cup with Spain, earning Player of the Tournament distinctions in both events.
His success at the Euros contributed to him winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, becoming the first Spanish man to win the award since Luis Suárez in 1960.
“I’m ready to play immediately. I hope to train tomorrow, get back into shape, and assist the team as soon as possible,” he stated.
“I spent two months with many of the Barcelona players during the World Cup. I’ve seen them today; they’re a young team eager to achieve great things. I want to make a positive contribution. The reception has been very warm.”
“I had conversations with [Flick] where he shared his vision with me. I’m enthusiastic about working under him. I love his adventurous approach to football. I still have room to grow, and I believe he can enhance my style of play. I’ve spoken primarily with Deco and Laporta, but Flick has been very straightforward with me. I’m here to do my part.”