Rodri, named the best player of the 2026 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, is Barcelona’s newest signing.
The saga that dominated the European transfer market has come to an end. Midfielder Rodri is the newest addition to Barcelona.
The information was reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano and confirmed by the Spanish newspaper Marca. The Catalan club will pay 75 million euros (approximately 453.2 million Brazilian Reais) to secure the star, an amount exceeding the initial 25 million euro increase added to the offer made to Manchester City.
The anticipation surrounding the deal led Rodri to miss the English Super Cup, where his now-former club, Manchester City, was defeated 3-0 by Arsenal. Although the contract has yet to be signed, the finalization of the agreement with Barça is expected in the coming days.
Considered the best player of the 2026 World Cup, won by Spain, and holder of the 2023/24 Ballon d’Or, the 30-year-old Spaniard ends a successful era at Manchester City.
Signed in July 2019, Rodri played 298 matches, contributing 28 goals and 30 assists, while collecting 13 titles.
A winning trajectory under Guardiola
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Rodri was a key piece in Manchester City‘s conquests, including one English Super Cup, three English League Cups, and four Premier League titles.
He was also victorious in one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and two FA Cups.
The negotiation became a strategic move for Manchester City, who, faced with the player’s contract running until June 2027, opted to monetize the transfer to avoid losing the athlete for free at the end of the deal.
The arrival of Rodri represents a significant boost for Barcelona, which seeks to solidify its sports project by adding a world-renowned athlete with a proven track record of success.
The midfielder arrives to bring quality and experience to the Catalan squad, with an eye on the competitions of the coming seasons.
