Man City accepts bid, clears Rodri for Barcelona move
Spanish midfielder set to sign four-year deal with Catalan club after agreement between clubs
17 August 2026 at 13:04 · 1h ago · 2 min read
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Manchester City have accepted Barcelona's proposal for midfielder Rodri, according to British media reports. The deal is worth around £65.4 million, approximately R$ 462 million at the current exchange rate.
The move marks the end of Rodri's seven-season spell at Manchester City. The Spaniard joined the club in 2019 from Atlético de Madrid and quickly became one of the team's key players.
At City, Rodri played 298 matches and won 12 major titles, including four Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, three League Cups and one Champions League.
The midfielder was also a protagonist in the 2023 Champions League triumph. In the final against Inter Milan, he scored the goal that secured Manchester City's first European title.
Rodri's performances also took him to the top of world football. In 2024, the Spaniard won the Ballon d'Or, becoming the first Manchester City player to receive the award since its creation.
The move to Barcelona comes after lengthy negotiations. The Catalan club gradually raised its offers until reaching a value that convinced Manchester City to let the player go.
Rodri reportedly expressed interest in returning to Spanish football and chose Barcelona despite interest from other major clubs, including Real Madrid. The player is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Catalan side.
At Barcelona, Rodri arrives to reinforce a position considered strategic. His ability to control the midfield, win back the ball and organize build-up play could give coach Hansi Flick a new option for the team.
The signing also gains importance given Barcelona's physical problems in midfield. Rodri could take on a central role in shaping the new Catalan team.
For Manchester City, the departure represents a significant loss right at the start of the Enzo Maresca era. The coach will have to find a solution to replace a player who was fundamental during the club's most successful period in recent history.
Rodri still needs to complete a few steps before the transfer is finalized, including medical examinations and signing the documents. The agreement is expected to be formalized in the coming days.
If the deal goes through, Rodri will leave English football after seven seasons and return to Spain as one of the most decorated players of his generation. For Barcelona, the arrival of the Ballon d'Or winner represents one of the biggest transfer market moves of 2026.
