Rodri signs for Barcelona
The Spanish midfielder leaves Manchester City after seven years and signs a contract with the Catalan club until 2030.
The Spanish midfielder leaves Manchester City after seven years and signs a contract with the Catalan club until 2030.
Barcelona has officially announced the signing of Rodri, one of the world's best midfielders and the current captain of the Spanish national team. The transfer was confirmed on August 18, 2026, with Rodri undergoing his medical and signing the contract on the same day, completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Sources differ on the total value of the transfer. According to Sportklub, Barcelona paid between €70 and €75 million, while Goal.com reports a total value of around €76.5 million (€60 million fixed plus €11.5 million in easily achievable bonuses and an additional €5 million dependent on individual performances and club results). Novi list mentions a figure of €80 million according to media reports.
Fabrizio Romano, a transfer expert, reported that Barcelona made three bids: the first for €45 million, the second for €65 million, and the third, which was accepted, for €60 million plus €15 million in bonuses. Manchester City brought Rodri in 2019 from Atlético Madrid for €70 million, and now sells him for an amount that equals their biggest sale in history, €75 million, which they received for Julián Alvarez.
Rodri arrived at Manchester City in 2019 and over seven years became a key player in Pep Guardiola's squad. He won 12 major trophies, including four English league titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League in 2023. His goal in the final against Inter brought City their first European title in the club's history.
In 2024, he won the Ballon d'Or as the conductor of the treble winners, and at the 2026 World Cup, he was named the best player of the tournament after Spain claimed the world title. Rodri was also under contract with City until June 30, 2027, which facilitated negotiations for Barcelona.
Barcelona introduced Rodri on social media with the message: "The master of space and time has arrived at Camp Nou." In the club's official announcement, it states: "FC Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, known in the football world as Rodri, who has committed to the Catalan club until June 30, 2030."
Rodri expressed his excitement upon arrival: "Playing for Barcelona is a dream come true. I am extremely happy and excited to work with my teammates." His arrival is expected to bring solidity to Barcelona's midfield alongside Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo, especially given that Frenkie de Jong is injured and faces a several-month layoff.
Barcelona fought for Rodri's services against their biggest rival, Real Madrid. After winning the World Cup, Rodri made it clear he wanted to leave City and waited for Real Madrid to make a move, but the Madrid club delayed too long, allowing Barcelona to close the deal.
Manchester City is now looking for a replacement for Rodri, and according to Goal.com, the main candidate is Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Viewers in Croatia can still follow Sport Klub programming on A1, Hrvatski Telekom, Telemach, Total TV, OptiTV, and via the EON platform.
