Rodri completes Barcelona move from Manchester City on deal until 2030

Barcelona have announced the signing of Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri from Manchester City, with the midfielder agreeing a contract that will keep him at the La Liga champions until 2030.

The 30-year-old’s move was confirmed by Barcelona on Tuesday after the two clubs reached an agreement reported to be worth about 75 million euros. The transfer brings to an end one of the summer’s longest-running sagas.

Rodri travelled to the Catalan capital on Monday, where he held talks with Barcelona over the personal terms of his contract. He was officially presented as the club’s new player on Tuesday and posed for photographs wearing a Barcelona shirt bearing his name.

The midfielder had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid and was reported to be close to joining Manchester City’s arch-rivals. Instead, he has chosen a move to Barcelona after seven trophy-laden years at City.

Rodri joined Manchester City after spells with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. He became a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s side, helping the club win the 2023 Champions League and four Premier League titles among a total of 12 major trophies.

His time at City was also marked by individual recognition, with Rodri winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or. However, he has struggled with injuries during the past two seasons.

Despite those difficulties, Rodri played a key role as Spain won their second World Cup in North America last month. He was described as the country’s World Cup-winning captain after contributing to their success on the international stage.

The player thanked Manchester City for his time with the club in a statement published on its website.

“I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories,” Rodri said in a statement on City’s website.

“What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.”

Barcelona’s announcement makes Rodri the club’s third high-profile signing of the summer. He follows Anthony Gordon, who arrived from Newcastle, and Karim Adeyemi, who joined from Borussia Dortmund.

The deal gives Barcelona one of the most decorated midfielders in world football and completes a transfer that had attracted significant attention because of Rodri’s status at Manchester City, his recent Ballon d’Or success and the possibility of a move to Real Madrid.

For City, the departure ends a seven-year association with a player who was instrumental in their most successful period. For Barcelona, Rodri’s arrival represents a major addition as the Spanish champions prepare for the seasons ahead under a contract running through 2030.