Barcelona have agreed to a deal in principle with Manchester City for the transfer of Spanish midfielder Rodri, as confirmed by multiple sources to ESPN.
After having their previous two bids turned down by the Premier League side, the reigning La Liga champions submitted a third proposal over the weekend worth a total package of GBP 76.5 million (USD 65.3 million). Sources confirmed on Sunday that the two clubs had reached a consensus, exchanged the required documentation, and are currently finalising the terms.
The 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winner is expected to travel to Catalonia shortly and could be officially unveiled before Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy fixture against Al Ahly at Camp Nou.
The agreement coincides with reports that fullback Joao Cancelo is also nearing a return to Camp Nou. The duo could become Barcelona’s fourth and fifth major additions of the summer window, joining Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, and Jesse Bisiwu.
Barcelona chasing more signings after Rodri
Barcelona are also actively searching for a new striker, targeting Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Although Rodri was not initially part of Barcelona’s summer plans, the club acted quickly when the midfielder became available following his FIFA World Cup triumph with Spain. Additionally, a long-term injury to Frenkie de Jong prompted the Catalan club to explore top-tier midfield options.
Arch-rivals Real Madrid had also expressed interest in signing Rodri, but the player prioritised a move to Barcelona.
The Spanish international is seen as a marquee signing capable of elevating Hansi Flick’s back-to-back La Liga-winning side. Following earlier stints at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, Rodri moved to Manchester City in 2019, building a distinguished resume that includes four Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, as well as European Championship and World Cup victories with Spain, earning Player of the Tournament awards in both international competitions.
Manchester City started off their new season with a 3-0 loss in the Community Shield against Arsenal. City’s new signing Elliot Anderson failed to make a major impact during the game as they lost to Premier League champions in the curtain-raiser.
