Barcelona close in on Rodri deal worth more than €76.5m

Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City to sign Spain midfielder Rodri in a deal that could exceed €76.5m, despite the 30-year-old being in the final year of his contract.

The move would bring the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner back to Spanish football after a highly successful spell in the Premier League, with Rodri understood to favour Barcelona over the other options available to him.

Barcelona began exploring a deal after Rodri indicated he would welcome a move to Camp Nou. Real Madrid had also been considering whether to pursue the midfielder.

Personal terms are not expected to prevent the transfer from being completed. Barcelona have offered Rodri a four-year contract, and the Spain international would prefer to join the Catalan club.

Barcelona made an initial offer of about €45m plus performance-related incentives on 7 August. The proposal followed indications that Manchester City wanted a fee of approximately €80m before allowing Rodri to leave.

According to The Athletic, Manchester City will receive an initial €60m, with additional incentives and bonuses potentially taking the overall value of the deal beyond €76.5m. That would represent a substantial return for a player entering the final months of his contract.

Rodri has not shown a desire to extend his agreement with Manchester City, prompting the Premier League club to consider making a financial gain from his departure during the current transfer window.

If the move goes through, Rodri will return to La Liga and join a Barcelona squad containing several of his Spain team-mates. He would link up with seven members of the Spain side that won the 2026 World Cup: Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri and Lamine Yamal.

Rodri played a prominent role in Spain’s World Cup campaign and was named the tournament’s best player, further underlining his status as one of the leading midfielders in world football.

Barcelona’s interest comes as Frenkie de Jong faces a lengthy absence after suffering a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Manager Hansi Flick hopes Rodri’s arrival would add greater strength and balance to the midfield.

The former Atletico Madrid player is capable of helping to build attacks, winning possession and controlling the tempo of matches. Those qualities have made him a central figure for both club and country.

Manchester City have already started to strengthen their midfield ahead of Rodri’s expected departure. In July, they signed England international Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £116m.

The club are also seeking to sign Morocco international Ayoub Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Lille midfielder who attracted attention with his performances at the World Cup.

Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. During his time at the club, he has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League.

He scored the winning goal in Manchester City’s 2023 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan. Rodri has made 298 appearances for City, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists, with his time in England now appearing close to an end as he moves towards wearing Barcelona’s colours.