Barcelona has officially confirmed the signing of Spain captain Rodri, bringing the World Cup’s best player into a squad already stocked with champions.
The midfielder, instrumental in Spain’s second World Cup triumph, now joins Barcelona alongside international teammates including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri.
Rodri has signed a contract through 2030, Barcelona announced, following a successful medical exam and the finalisation of transfer details.
The transfer is understood to have been worth 76.5 million euros ($88.5 million).
Rodri, who had one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, said upon his arrival in Barcelona on Monday that it was “a dream to play” for the Catalan club.
“I am very happy to arrive,” Rodri told reporters after arriving. “For me, it is a dream to play for Barcelona. I am excited to be with my teammates, many of whom I already know. Now is the time to give my best.”
Real Madrid was initially interested in signing Rodri, and the midfielder had previously praised the Spanish rivals, but Spanish media reported that no agreement was reached.
Barcelona, aiming for a third consecutive La Liga title, has added England forward Anthony Gordon to the squad to compensate for the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in extra time during the World Cup final against Argentina.
The club is also expected to add defender Joao Cancelo.
Rodri, winner of the Ballon d’Or as the World Cup’s best player, was crucial to Spain’s title-winning campaign.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, scoring the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, and later winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024 as part of Spain’s European Championship-winning team.
His departure further weakens City’s midfield, with Bernardo Silva having moved to Real Madrid this off-season.
Rodri did not feature in City’s 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, having been recovering from minor back surgery following the World Cup.
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