Rodri has completed his transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City, bringing an end to a transfer saga Thedailystar. The Spain World Cup winner and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has signed a four-year contract that runs until 2030 Thedailystar.
Rodri Completes Blockbuster Transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City
The deal was agreed after Barcelona’s improved offers eventually satisfied Manchester City according to India Today. Barcelona confirmed the signing in a deal worth £65.4m according to Sky Sports, while reports cited fees in the region of £65m according to the BBC and 76.5 million euros according to India Today. Prior to the agreement, Manchester City rejected initial bids from Barcelona, including offers of £40m and £55m according to Sky Sports.
The 30-year-old midfielder arrives in the Catalan capital after spending seven seasons at Manchester City according to the BBC, returning to Spanish football for the first time since leaving Atletico Madrid in 2019 according to the BBC. Before choosing Barcelona, Rodri was reported to be close to joining Real Madrid, though he ultimately opted for their arch-rivals Thedailystar.
Seven Trophy-Laden Seasons at the Etihad Stadium
During his seven-year stint at Manchester City, Rodri made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours according to the BBC. His major trophy haul included four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League in 2023 according to the BBC, where he scored the only goal in the final against Inter Milan according to India Today.
Although his final two seasons at City were disrupted by injuries—including an ACL injury that sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 campaign, along with hamstring and groin issues that limited him to 33 appearances in his final term according to India Today—he rebounded to star internationally. He shone as Spain’s captain during the summer World Cup in North America Thedailystar, where Spain lifted the trophy for the second time according to the BBC and he was named player of the tournament according to the BBC.
In a farewell message posted on Manchester City’s official website, Rodri expressed deep gratitude for his time at the club. I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories,
Rodri said according to the BBC. What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.
He also reflected on his personal growth in Manchester, noting how the city shaped his life according to the BBC.
A New Chapter Under Hansi Flick at the Nou Camp
Upon arriving in Barcelona and completing his medical, Rodri shared his enthusiasm for joining the LaLiga club according to India Today. I'm very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It's a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again,
Rodri said according to the BBC. He added that playing for Barcelona is a dream come true and noted that he already knows most of his new teammates from the national team according to India Today.
Rodri also voiced optimism about playing under German manager Hansi Flick according to the BBC. I'm happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It's a style that I think is somewhat different from what I've experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player,
he stated according to the BBC. Looking ahead to the club’s objectives, Rodri made Barcelona’s immediate ambitions clear by stating, We're going for the Champions League, we're going for everything that comes our way
according to India Today.
