By Boluwatife Oshadiya | August 17, 2026
Key Points
- Barcelona reach an agreement in principle with Manchester City to sign Spain captain Rodri for about €75 million ($87 million)
- The 30-year-old midfielder is expected to complete the move after the clubs finalise documentation and personal terms
- Rodri’s arrival would strengthen Barcelona’s midfield after Frenkie de Jong suffered an injury expected to keep him out for several months
Main Story
Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City to sign Spanish midfielder Rodri for about €75 million ($87 million), according to a source from the Catalan club cited by AFP on Sunday.
The agreement, which remains subject to formal documentation, would bring the 30-year-old Spain captain back to La Liga after seven seasons in England. Reports from Spain indicate the deal is worth about €70 million to €76.8 million depending on the structure and performance-related additions.
The Barcelona source said the transfer is expected to become official in the coming days.
“In the coming days, there will be a statement and (the transfer) will become official,” the Barcelona source told AFP.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and became a central figure in the club’s most successful period under Pep Guardiola. He helped City win the 2023 UEFA Champions League and four Premier League titles, among 12 major trophies during his time at the club.
The midfielder also won the 2024 Ballon d’Or and was a key player for Spain during their 2026 World Cup triumph, further increasing his value in the transfer market.
Barcelona’s move for Rodri comes as the club manages an injury to Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to spend several months on the sidelines. Rodri would provide experience, defensive stability and control in the centre of the pitch.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have already invested heavily in midfield reinforcements amid uncertainty over Rodri’s future, including the club-record signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
What’s Being Said
“In the coming days, there will be a statement and (the transfer) will become official,” Barcelona source, speaking to AFP.
“Rodri encaja como guante de seda en la estructura del Barça,” said Spanish journalist Ramón Besa, arguing that the midfielder’s profile fits Barcelona’s playing structure and could significantly strengthen the team.
What’s Next
- Barcelona and Manchester City are expected to exchange the final transfer documentation before the agreement becomes official.
- Rodri is expected to undergo the required medical and complete the formalities of his move before being unveiled by Barcelona.
- Barcelona are also expected to complete a deal involving former City full-back João Cancelo in the coming days.
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: Rodri’s proposed move gives Barcelona an elite, experienced midfielder at a time when the club needs greater depth and control in the centre of the pitch. For Manchester City, his departure would leave a significant sporting gap despite the club’s efforts to rebuild its midfield.
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