Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spanish World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri in a deal reportedly worth around €75 million ($87 million), according to a source at the Catalan club.
The 30-year-old midfielder’s transfer is expected to be formally announced in the coming days.
“In the coming days there will be a statement and the transfer will become official,” a Barcelona source told AFP.
Rodri had also been linked with Real Madrid following Spain’s World Cup triumph in July, but Barcelona stepped up their pursuit of the former Atletico Madrid midfielder and eventually secured an agreement with City after having two earlier bids rejected.
Barcelona’s move was given greater urgency by an injury to Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to be sidelined for several months.
Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, has endured injury problems during the past two seasons but returned to play an influential role as Spain captured their second World Cup title.
He has been one of Pep Guardiola’s most important players at Manchester City since arriving in 2019. During his time in England, Rodri helped City win 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League crown in 2023.
The Spain captain will become another major addition to Barcelona’s summer recruitment drive, following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu.
The Spanish champions are also reportedly close to completing a deal for Joao Cancelo, who spent last season at Barcelona on loan from Al Hilal.