Barcelona have signed Spain midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal running until June 2030, bringing the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to Camp Nou in a major coup for the LaLiga champions.
According to Reuters, the 30-year-old joins Hansi Flick’s side for a reported £65.4 million ($88.56 million), with Barcelona beating Spanish rivals Real Madrid to the midfielder’s signature.
Rodri’s contract with Manchester City had been due to expire in June 2027.
“FC Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, known in the football world as Rodri, who is committing to the Catalan club until 30 June 2030,” Barcelona said in a statement.
Rodri arrives at Barcelona after a hugely successful six-year spell at City, where he established himself as one of the world’s leading midfielders under Pep Guardiola.
He won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups during his time at the English club. He made 298 appearances for City, scoring 28 goals and helping the club secure 14 major trophies.
The midfielder played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble during the 2022-23 season and helped the club become the first English men’s top-flight side to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
Rodri’s international career has also reached the highest level. He was part of Spain’s European Championship-winning squad before winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
He also captained Spain to World Cup glory last month and was named the tournament’s best player.
However, his final two seasons at City were disrupted by injuries. He spent more than seven months out after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024 and later dealt with knee and hamstring problems.
‘Ready to go’
Rodri joins Barcelona after recently undergoing minor back surgery, which had been expected to keep him out at the start of the season.
However, the midfielder said he is ready to return to training once he has recovered fully.
“I’m ready to go,” Rodri told reporters. “The surgery everyone was talking about was no big deal – it was just an outpatient procedure.
“I’m ready to train with the team, and when the coach thinks it’s time – once I’ve gotten back into the swing of things – I’ll be ready to play. I hope that’s as soon as possible.”
In a lengthy farewell message to Manchester City supporters, Rodri reflected on the success he enjoyed during his time at the club.
“I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect,” he said.
“We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way…
“Making history, with the Treble, with Four in a Row. We saw things they’ll never see… It’s time to say goodbye, thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be Blue.”
At Barcelona, Rodri will hope to bring his experience and leadership to Flick’s midfield as the Catalan club targets a third consecutive LaLiga title.
