Manchester City have agreed to sell World Cup-winning Spain captain Rodri to Barcelona for a reported £65.4 million ($88.47 million), according to British media reports on Sunday.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has agreed a four-year contract with the La Liga champions and is expected to travel to Catalonia next week to complete the move, Sky Sports reported.
Rodri, 30, leaves the Etihad Stadium after seven trophy-laden seasons in which he made 298 appearances and collected 12 major honours. His haul includes four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League crown that completed City’s treble in 2023.
The defensive midfielder originally joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then-club record £62.8 million (approximately $80 million). He entered the final year of his contract with City keen to extend his stay, but the Spanish international has instead opted for a return to his homeland.
Rodri was absent from City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday. He had only returned to the club’s training base on Friday following minor back surgery.
The transfer represents a significant coup for Barcelona, who secure one of world football’s most complete midfielders at the peak of his powers. For City, it marks the departure of a player central to their domestic and European dominance under Pep Guardiola.
Both clubs have yet to officially confirm the deal.
