Barcelona have confirmed signing Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City on a contract running until 2030, after passing a medical and finalising terms between the two clubs on Tuesday.
The transfer is worth $88.5 million according to multiple media reports.
The 30-year-old had one year left on his City contract. Speaking after arriving in Barcelona on Monday, he said it had been “a dream to play” for the club.
Real Madrid had also shown interest in Rodri, and he had previously spoken warmly of Barcelona’s rivals, but Spanish media reported the two clubs could not reach an agreement.
Barcelona are chasing a third consecutive La Liga title and have already strengthened their squad this summer. England forward Anthony Gordon has arrived to help replace the departed Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in extra time of the World Cup final against Argentina.
The club is also close to completing a deal for defender João Cancelo.
Rodri joins a Barcelona squad already containing several World Cup winners, among them Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi and Pedri. He won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player as Spain lifted the trophy.
Rodri spent seven seasons at Manchester City, making 298 appearances and scoring 28 goals while helping the club win 14 trophies. He scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan and won the Ballon d’Or the following year after helping Spain win the European Championship.
He joined City from Atletico Madrid, having started his career at Villarreal. His departure adds to a midfield rebuild at City, coming shortly after Bernardo Silva’s move to Real Madrid.
