Barcelona set to complete Rodri signing from Manchester City on 12 August

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City over the signing of Spain midfielder Rodri, with the player expected to join on 12 August. The deal represents a significant change in the Catalan club’s transfer plans after they persuaded Rodri to choose Barcelona despite his name having been linked with a possible move to Real Madrid.

According to Radio Catalonia 1, the two clubs have settled the main terms of the transfer. The remaining formalities, including the completion of documents and the signing of contracts, are expected to be dealt with in the coming hours.

The final transfer fee has not yet been officially announced, although it is understood to be likely to come close to 50m euros.

Rodri is expected to report for duty at Barcelona on 12 August, when the club’s Spain internationals who took part in the World Cup are due to return. His arrival would allow him to begin working with his new team as Barcelona prepare for the next stage of the season.

Barcelona’s pursuit of the midfielder gathered momentum last Thursday, when sources inside the club confirmed that Rodri had given permission for formal negotiations with Manchester City to begin. That approval gave Barcelona the opportunity to enter the competition for his signature with greater confidence and helped pave the way for an agreement between the clubs.

The development marks a reversal of Barcelona’s previous expectations. For some time, the club believed Rodri was more inclined to move to Real Madrid, a view that had made a transfer to Barcelona appear unlikely.

As a result, strengthening the midfield had not been regarded as one of the club’s leading priorities during the earlier stages of its recruitment planning. Rodri’s change of position altered that assessment, turning what had appeared to be a distant possibility into a realistic target.

Barcelona subsequently made the midfielder a major focus of their transfer activity and have now reached an agreement with Manchester City to secure his move. The club’s ability to change direction so decisively reflects the importance it has attached to Rodri’s decision to open the door to negotiations.

His arrival would give Barcelona considerable experience and quality in midfield. Rodri has built an influential career with Manchester City and also brings international experience with Spain, qualities the club believes can strengthen the centre of the team.

Barcelona are seeking greater power and stability in midfield, and Rodri’s profile fits that objective. His arrival would therefore alter the balance of the squad as well as provide a high-level addition to the playing group.

The paperwork and signatures are expected to be completed shortly, with the transfer still awaiting its final formal confirmation and the official announcement of the fee.