Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga champions announced on Tuesday, ending the Spaniard’s glittering, trophy-laden spell with the Premier League club in a major coup for the Catalan side.
The 30-year-old joins Hansi Flick’s side for a reported fee of 65.4 million pounds ($88.56 million), with Barca beating arch-rivals Real Madrid to the Spain international’s signature.
Rodri’s contract with 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,” Barca said in a statement.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who was also part of Spain’s
European Championship winning squad, further enhanced his
reputation by captaining his country to World Cup glory last
month and was named the tournament’s best player.
Rodri leaves City after winning four Premier League titles,
the Champions League and two FA Cups since joining the English
club from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He made 298 appearances,
scoring 28 goals and helping City secure 14 major trophies.
He spent six seasons under Pep Guardiola, establishing
himself as one of the world’s best midfielders and playing a
pivotal role in City’s continental treble in the 2022-23 season.
He also helped City become the first men’s top-flight club
in English football history to win four consecutive Premier
League titles.
But the last two years have also been marked by injury
setbacks. He spent more than seven months on the sidelines after
suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024, while he
also dealt with knee and hamstring problems last season.
Rodri arrives at Camp Nou after recently undergoing minor
back surgery, a setback that was expected to keep him out for
the start of the season.
“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 City supporters, Rodri
reflected on 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,” Rodri 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 Barca, Rodri will hope to help the club win a third
successive LaLiga title.
Source: Khaleej Times