Barcelona have officially announced the acquisition of midfield maestro Rodri from Manchester City, sealing a deal valued at approximately £65.4 million. The 30‑year‑old Spaniard, a World Cup champion and former Ballon d'Or winner who was instrumental in City’s recent domestic dominance and European triumph, has committed to a four‑year contract with the Catalan giants.
Rodri entered the summer with only a single year remaining on his City agreement. Despite the English club’s desire to retain him and a request for an extended deal, Barcelona’s third and final offer proved irresistible.
Earlier attempts by the Premier League side to fend off the move – rejecting bids of £40 million and later £55 million – ultimately gave way to the £65.4 million package that satisfied both parties. The transfer marks a significant shift for both clubs.
Enzo Maresca’s Barcelona are simultaneously hunting replacements for Rodri and fellow midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is slated to depart for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Qadsiah in a deal reported to be around £51 million. Meanwhile, Manchester City remain active in the market. They have expressed continued interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, even though they missed the official deadline of 5 p.m.
on 14 August to lodge a formal bid. In addition, City are in advanced talks with Lille regarding Moroccan international Ayyoub Bouaddi. Lille are said to be demanding roughly £85 million for the young talent, a figure that was confirmed by City’s head coach Pep Guardiola during a weekend press conference.
Statistically, Rodri’s absence has been stark for City. Since his arrival from Atlético Madrid ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, the team’s record without him in the starting eleven has been concerning. In the 87 matches where he did not start, City suffered 20 defeats – almost double the loss rate compared with the 179 games he started, where they lost only 19 times.
Their win percentage dipped from a robust 71.5 % with Rodri on the pitch to 62.1 % without him, while both goals scored fell and goals conceded rose. The most recent illustration of this decline was the 3‑0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, a match that underscored how pivotal his presence is to the side’s balance and defensive solidity. Rodri’s departure was accompanied by a heartfelt farewell letter posted on the club’s official website.
In it, he wrote: "Dear City fans, saying goodbye is one of the hardest things in life, but I will try. Words cannot fully convey 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 legends like Kevin, Aguero, Silva, Bernardo and John. I couldn’t stop smiling." He went on to praise Pep Guardiola, noting the tactical education he received: "Pep, from day one you taught me everything.
I admit I sometimes struggled to keep all the tactics straight in my head, but the challenge was part of the growth." Rodri reflected on the expectations placed on the squad and how time answered those questions: "We were a top team, but we never imagined the legacy we would create – trophies, global fans, respect. We set an example not just through success, but through the way we achieved it. The supporters were with us every step of the way." He reminisced about several career highlights, including his first trophy on debut, last‑minute winners against Arsenal, a crucial goal against Aston Villa that clinched the Premier League title, and the decisive strike in the Champions League final that secured Europe’s most coveted prize. He also recalled the emotional reception after winning the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player to lift the award while wearing a sky‑blue shirt.
"Making history – the Treble, four titles in a row – we witnessed moments future generations will never see. Even in the tough times, the fans never let me down.
Returning to the pitch after a setback reminded me how deeply you love me, and how special this community truly is," he added. Beyond football, Rodri highlighted how City shaped his personal life. He mentioned his brother’s graduation from Manchester Metropolitan University, his girlfriend’s work with the NHS, and everyday memories like sipping coffee from a scooter, strolling through parks while Oasis played, and embracing Manchester’s famously rainy weather.
In closing, he expressed an enduring bond with the club: "City didn’t just help me grow as a player; they helped me grow as a human. I will never forget stepping onto the pitch, hearing a sea of blue chant ‘nah, nah, nah… CITY’, and feeling the love of this city. So, City fans, it’s 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 be blue." The transfer saga continues to evolve as Barcelona integrate Rodri into their midfield, while Manchester City look to reinforce their squad ahead of the new season, aiming to maintain their dominance in England and Europe despite the loss of one of their key architects.