Rodri transfer to Barcelona agreed after lengthy negotiations

Barcelona have completed a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri after prolonged negotiations, with the Spain international set to join the Catalan club at the start of next season.

Rodri’s future had been uncertain since Spain won the World Cup, when the Manchester City player was named the tournament’s best footballer. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid had been pursuing the midfielder, with the Spanish rivals competing for his signature.

Real Madrid were initially regarded as the leading candidates to secure the deal. However, the proposed transfer shifted towards Barcelona in recent days, as the Catalan club stepped up its efforts to reach an agreement with Manchester City.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a specialist in the transfer market, confirmed that the move had been completed.

Writing on his official X account, Romano said: “Rodri to Barcelona… agreement reached for the Spain midfielder to move from Manchester City to Barcelona.”

He added: “Everything is done for the former Ballon d’Or winner, as Manchester City gave the green light to Barcelona’s latest bid.”

Romano continued: “Rodri will sign a four-year contract with Barcelona next week, with the deal running until June 2030.”

Barcelona have also begun arranging travel and medical examinations for both Rodri and Joao Cancelo, according to Romano.

The club had made several approaches for Rodri during an intensive period of negotiations. Barcelona submitted more than one offer to Manchester City, with reports in the Spanish media claiming that the latest proposal was worth 70m euros.

The agreement comes with Rodri having one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. His absence from the Community Shield on Sunday, when Manchester City faced Arsenal, was seen as further evidence that his future was being resolved.

Arsenal won that match 3-0, but Rodri did not feature for Manchester City.

Barcelona’s pursuit of the midfielder represents the latest development in a transfer saga which had involved two of Spain’s biggest clubs. Rodri’s performances for Manchester City and Spain had made him one of the most sought-after players in Europe, while his previous individual recognition had added to the interest surrounding his next move.

Manchester City had been required to approve Barcelona’s final offer before the transfer could be completed. That approval has now been given, allowing Rodri to prepare for a move to Barcelona and a new contract expected to keep him at the club until June 2030.

The club is now understood to be finalising the practical arrangements for the player’s arrival, including his journey and medical checks. Joao Cancelo is also due to undergo the necessary examinations as part of the same preparations.