Rodri, Spain’s World Cup-winning captain, has officially completed his transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona, the La Liga champions announced on Tuesday. The 30-year-old midfielder signed a contract extending until 2030, concluding one of the summer’s most protracted transfer sagas.
The deal, finalized on Sunday after two earlier rejected offers, is reported to be worth up to 76.5 million euros ($88.6 million), including performance-related bonuses, according to a source at Manchester City who spoke to AFP. Following the agreement, Rodri traveled to Barcelona to finalize personal terms with his new club.
Expressing his enthusiasm at the official unveiling, Rodri said, “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.”
A New Chapter for a Proven Midfielder
Rodri’s arrival at Barcelona marks the next step after a highly successful seven-year stint at Manchester City. During his time in the Premier League, he amassed multiple trophies and solidified his reputation as a key midfield presence. Although he had reportedly been close to signing with Real Madrid, the midfielder ultimately chose to join Barcelona, the fierce rivals of the Spanish capital club.
Despite suffering from injuries over the last two seasons, Rodri delivered a standout performance at the recent World Cup in North America, helping Spain secure their second-ever title. His transfer bolsters a Barcelona squad that has dominated La Liga in recent years but has yet to reclaim the UEFA Champions League trophy since their last triumph in 2015.