Barcelona have officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City, sealing a deal valued at approximately £65.4 million. The 30‑year‑old Spanish international, a World Cup champion and former Ballon d'Or winner who was instrumental in City’s recent dominance—including four Premier League crowns and a Champions League triumph—has committed to a four‑year contract with the Catalan giants. Rodri entered the negotiations with just one year remaining on his City contract. Although the English club made a concerted effort to retain him, offering an extension, Barcelona’s third and final proposal proved irresistible.
Earlier attempts by City to fend off the move were unsuccessful; the English side turned down offers of £40 million and later £55 million before ultimately accepting the £65.4 million figure. The transfer is part of a broader reshuffle at Manchester City. Manager Pep Guardiola’s staff, led by Enzo Maresca, are already scouting replacements for both Rodri and Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is slated to depart for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Qadsiah in a deal reported to be around £51 million.
City’s attention has also turned to Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, despite missing the official deadline of 5 p.m. on August 14 to submit a formal bid. In addition, talks are ongoing with Lille regarding Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is believed to be priced at roughly £85 million.
Lille’s hierarchy confirmed the negotiations over the weekend, with head coach Davide Ancelotti publicly acknowledging the discussions. Statistically, Rodri’s absence has highlighted his importance to City’s midfield machinery. Since his arrival from Atlético Madrid ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, the team’s record without him in the starting eleven has been markedly poorer. In the 87 matches where he was not in the starting lineup, City suffered 20 defeats—a loss tally only one short of the 21 defeats incurred across the 179 games where he started.
More strikingly, the defeat rate doubled when he was omitted. The win percentage fell from 71.5 % with Rodri starting to 62.1 % without him, while the side’s goal‑scoring output dipped and the number of goals conceded rose. The most recent illustration of this decline was a 3‑0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, underscoring the void left by his departure.
Following the confirmation of his move, Rodri penned an emotional farewell letter to the Manchester City faithful, posted on the club’s official website. In the note he wrote: "Dear City fans, saying goodbye is one of the hardest things in life, but I will try. It is difficult to find words that truly capture the gratitude, love and support my family and I have received over the years. I still remember the excitement when I first signed for Manchester City – the thrill of joining players like Kevin, Aguero, Silva, Bernardo and many others.
I could not stop smiling." He continued, reflecting on his relationship with manager Pep Guardiola: "Pep, from day one you taught me everything. I must admit, at times the tactical demands were overwhelming, but the question that kept me going was whether we could meet the ever‑growing expectations.
Time has answered that question." Rodri highlighted the collective achievements that defined his tenure: "I arrived at a top club, yet I never imagined we would create a legacy of trophies, global fans, love and respect. We set an example for future generations, not just through success but through the manner in which we earned it. The fans stood by us every step of the way." He recalled several personal milestones: his first trophy on debut, last‑minute winners such as the dramatic away victory over Arsenal, the crucial goal against Aston Villa that secured the Premier League title, and the decisive strike in the Champions League final that delivered the coveted European crown. He also expressed pride in becoming the first player to lift the Ballon d’Or while wearing City’s sky‑blue shirt, describing the reception after the award as "incredible".
Rodri also touched on the less glamorous moments, emphasizing the unwavering support of the supporters: "Even in the toughest times you never let me down. The first day back on the pitch I felt the depth of your love and realised how special this fanbase truly is." Beyond football, he credited City with shaping his personal life: "Manchester helped me grow as a person. I watched my brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, saw my girlfriend work for the NHS, and experienced the everyday joys of the city – from sipping coffee after a scooter ride to listening to Oasis in the parks and embracing the famous Manchester rain." Concluding his letter, Rodri said, "City fans, it is time to say goodbye.
Thank you to the club, the supporters, the staff and my teammates. This journey would not have been the same without you; my heart will always remain blue." The transfer saga continues to evolve as both clubs adjust their strategies for the upcoming season. Barcelona, bolstered by Rodri’s arrival, aim to strengthen their midfield balance and add experience to a squad eager to challenge for LaLiga and European honours.
Manchester City, meanwhile, must navigate the loss of a pivotal defensive midfielder while integrating potential new signings to maintain their domestic and continental ambitions. The coming weeks will reveal how each side adapts to these significant changes.