Barcelona are closing in on one of the biggest moves of the summer, with Manchester City reportedly agreeing to a £65.4 million deal for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
The proposed transfer would bring the Spanish midfielder back to La Liga after seven influential years at the Etihad Stadium. Rodri, 30, is expected to sign a four-year contract with Barcelona, with the move subject to the completion of a medical and other final formalities.
His departure would bring an end to a trophy-laden Manchester City career that began in 2019, when he arrived from Atlético Madrid for about £62.8 million.
Rodri quickly established himself as the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s midfield, helping City dominate English football and conquer Europe. He made 298 appearances for the club, winning four Premier League titles and the Champions League among several other major honours.
One of his defining moments came in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan, when his second-half strike secured City’s first European Cup.
Beyond his team achievements, Rodri also reached the summit individually. In 2024, he became the first defensive midfielder in decades to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as one of the finest players of his generation.
Barcelona’s interest intensified as the midfielder’s future at City became increasingly uncertain. With Rodri entering the final year of his contract, the Premier League champions faced a difficult decision over whether to keep their midfield leader or cash in while his market value remained high.
The Catalan club eventually emerged ahead of reported competition from Real Madrid, with Rodri understood to favour a return to Spain and Barcelona’s possession-based style.
For Barcelona, the signing would be about more than adding another star name. Rodri’s ability to dictate tempo, protect the defence and control matches could provide the balance and experience needed in midfield, particularly as the club continues to manage injuries and the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
For City, however, replacing Rodri will be one of the biggest challenges of the new era. The club has already been active in the midfield market, with Elliot Anderson among the players brought in as part of plans to strengthen the squad.
If the final formalities are completed as expected, Rodri will return to Spanish football as a proven European champion and Ballon d’Or winner — but this time wearing Barcelona colours.
His arrival would give Barça one of the most accomplished midfielders in world football and add another major chapter to a career that has already delivered almost every major honour the game has to offer.
