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Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City for Rodri, with the Spanish midfielder now set for a return to La Liga.
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The 30-year-old World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner is expected to arrive in Barcelona in the coming days as the clubs complete the final paperwork.
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Rodri’s return gives Barcelona another world-class option in midfield as Hansi Flick’s side look to build on their domestic success and challenge for more major honours.
August 16, (THEWILL) — Barcelona are on the verge of completing one of the biggest moves of the summer after reaching an agreement in principle with Manchester City for Spain midfielder Rodri.
The Spanish champions returned with a third proposal for the 30-year-old after two previous bids were rejected, and negotiations finally reached a breakthrough over the weekend.
The clubs are now exchanging paperwork and working through the final details of the agreement, with Rodri expected to arrive in Barcelona in the coming days.
The midfielder could even be presented before Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday, although the final timing will depend on the completion of the formalities.
Rodri’s move represents a major statement from Barcelona as they continue to strengthen a squad that has dominated Spanish football in recent seasons.
Hansi Flick’s side have won back-to-back La Liga titles and now appear determined to build a team capable of competing at the highest level in Europe.
The midfielder was not initially considered a priority target for Barcelona at the start of the summer.
However, his availability changed the situation, while a long-term injury suffered by Frenkie de Jong also increased the club’s need for another elite midfielder.
Rodri provides exactly the profile Barcelona have been searching for.
Comfortable controlling the tempo of a match, protecting the defence and dictating play from deep, the Spain international has developed into one of the most complete midfielders in world football.
His arrival also carries an emotional significance, as Rodri is returning to the league where his professional career was established.
He began his senior career with Villarreal before moving to Atletico Madrid, where his performances earned him a move to Manchester City in 2019.
Seven years later, he is set to return to Spain with an extraordinary list of achievements behind him.
During his time at Manchester City, Rodri helped the club win four Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other trophies.
He also became one of the most influential players in Pep Guardiola’s successful City side.
His achievements with Spain have been equally impressive. Rodri played a leading role as Spain won the European Championship, earning Player of the Tournament honours before going on to help the national team win the 2026 World Cup.
Those performances further strengthened his reputation and helped him claim the Ballon d’Or in 2024, making his impending arrival at Barcelona even more significant.
Barcelona were not the only Spanish club interested in bringing Rodri home.
Real Madrid also explored the possibility of signing the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, but the player ultimately preferred a move to Barcelona.
For Manchester City, however, the transfer represents the departure of a player who has been central to one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
Rodri became an integral part of City’s midfield after arriving from Atletico and developed into a leader both on and off the pitch.
City were nevertheless prepared to consider his departure because he has only one year remaining on his contract.
Rather than risk losing such a valuable player without receiving a significant return, the Premier League champions agreed to negotiate with Barcelona.
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Rodri’s departure is expected to leave a major hole in City’s midfield, while his arrival could transform Barcelona’s options in the centre of the pitch.
The Catalan club are also continuing their summer recruitment drive, with João Cancelo reportedly set to return as a free agent.
Barcelona have already added several attacking players and remain interested in strengthening their forward line, with Atletico Madrid’s Julián Álvarez among their reported targets.
For Rodri, though, the next step is clear. After seven extraordinary years in England, the World Cup winner is preparing to return to the country where his football journey began.
And he will do so not simply as another La Liga midfielder, but as a World Cup winner, European champion and Ballon d’Or holder ready to lead Barcelona into a new era.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
