Barcelona have officially announced the acquisition of Rodri from Manchester City for a reported fee of £65.4 million. The Spanish international, a World Cup champion and former Ballon d'Or winner who was instrumental in City’s four Premier League triumphs and their Champions League victory, has agreed to a four‑year deal with the LaLiga outfit. The 30‑year‑old midfielder entered the deal with just one year remaining on his contract in Manchester.
City had hoped to persuade him to stay and offered an extension, but Barcelona’s third and final proposal proved irresistible. Earlier attempts by the English club to retain him included rejecting offers of £40 million and £55 million before finally accepting the £65.4 million bid that satisfied both parties. Barcelona’s sporting director Enzo Maresca is now tasked with finding replacements for both Rodri and fellow midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is expected to move to Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah for roughly £51 million. City, meanwhile, remain active in the market.
They have expressed interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, despite missing the August 14 deadline to submit a formal offer, and are also in negotiations with Lille over Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lille is reportedly demanding around £85 million for the young talent, a figure confirmed by Lille’s head coach Davide Ancelotti during recent talks. Statistically, Rodri’s absence has been stark for City. Since his arrival from Atlético Madrid ahead of the 2019/20 season, the club’s record without him in the starting eleven shows a worrying decline.
In the 87 matches where he did not start, City suffered 20 defeats – just one fewer than the 21 losses recorded in the 179 games he began on the pitch. However, the defeat rate effectively doubled when he was omitted, and the team’s win percentage fell from 71.5 % with Rodri to 62.1 % without him.
Goal production also dipped while the number of goals conceded rose, underscoring his importance as a defensive anchor and a catalyst for attacking moves. The most recent illustration of this drop came in the Community Shield, where City were beaten 3‑0 by Arsenal. Upon confirming his departure, Rodri penned an emotional farewell letter to the City supporters, which was published 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 convey the gratitude, love and support my family and I have received over the years.
I remember the excitement when I first signed for Manchester City – the thrill of joining players like Kevin, Aguero, Silva, Bernardo and John. I could not stop smiling." He went on to praise Pep Guardiola’s demanding coaching style, admitting that the tactical load was at times overwhelming, yet acknowledging that the challenges helped him grow: "A question kept echoing in my mind – could we meet the expectations for the coming years? Time answered that question." Rodri reflected on the legacy he helped create, noting that the club’s success was not just about trophies but also about the manner in which they were achieved.
He highlighted memorable moments such as his first trophy on debut, last‑minute winners against Arsenal, a crucial goal against Aston Villa that secured the Premier League title, and the decisive strike in the Champions League final. He also expressed pride in becoming the first player to win the Ballon d’Or while wearing a sky‑blue shirt.
The midfielder paid tribute to the fans, recalling the unforgettable reception after his Ballon d’Or win and the unwavering support during both triumphant and difficult periods. He described how the city of Manchester became intertwined with his personal life – from watching his brother graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University to seeing his girlfriend work for the NHS, and even enjoying everyday moments like sipping coffee in town, listening to Oasis in the parks, and embracing the city’s famous rain.
In closing, Rodri thanked the club, the staff, his teammates and, most importantly, the supporters: "My heart will always be blue. Thank you for everything." Rodri’s move signals a new chapter for both clubs. Barcelona will look to integrate the disciplined, ball‑playing midfielder into Xavi’s system, hoping his experience and composure can help the Catalans challenge for domestic and European honours. Manchester City, meanwhile, must act swiftly to fill the void in their midfield engine room, whether by securing Enzo Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi, or another high‑caliber talent.
The upcoming transfer window promises to be a decisive period for both sides as they plan for the 2024‑25 season and beyond.