The short version
- Manchester City has accepted a £65.4 million offer from Barcelona for Rodri, ending speculation about the midfielder's future at the Etihad Stadium.
- The club is simultaneously pursuing Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as a replacement, aiming to bolster midfield depth after significant summer departures and injuries.
- Rodri’s departure marks the end of a seven-year tenure that included four Premier League titles and a Ballon d’Or, though his recent availability was limited by health issues.
Manchester City has moved to finalize the transfer of Rodri to Barcelona after accepting a bid worth £65.4 million from the Spanish club. The agreement comes as the 30-year-old midfielder enters the final year of his current contract, having made it clear that he desires a return to Spain. While City officials were reluctant to part with their central figure, the impending expiration of his deal left them with limited leverage to negotiate a new long-term arrangement or command a higher fee.
The latest financial offer represents a significant increase from previous attempts by Barcelona to secure the player’s services. The club had previously rejected an initial proposal valued at approximately €45 million, followed by a second bid of around €60 million last week. The acceptance of this third attempt signals that City has determined the current valuation is sufficient given the contractual circumstances and the player’s stated intentions.
Rodri’s seven seasons at Manchester City have been defined by sustained success and individual accolades. He was instrumental in securing four Premier League titles and scored the decisive goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan. His peak performance culminated in winning the Ballon d’Or, although his ability to contribute on the pitch has been compromised in recent months due to a series of physical setbacks.
Injury concerns have played a substantial role in the timing and nature of this transfer. Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 campaign, just as he was preparing to receive his major award. Further hamstring and groin issues restricted him to only 33 appearances during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge. He recently returned to training following back surgery undergone after the World Cup, but his physical limitations appear to have influenced both his desire for a change of environment and the club’s willingness to sell.
Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged Rodri’s immense value to the squad, describing him as a top player essential to any competitive team. Despite their professional relationship, which included a warm greeting upon Rodri’s return from medical leave, City could not persuade him to commit to a new contract. The defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield highlighted the transitional phase the club is undergoing, with Maresca now focused on restructuring the midfield for the upcoming campaign.
The departure of Rodri coincides with other significant changes in City’s central engine room. The club has already invested £116 million in signing Elliot Anderson and agreed to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah. With veteran Bernardo Silva also leaving the organization, Maresca is prioritizing depth and youth to replace the experience lost through these exits. The acquisition of new talent is critical to maintaining competitive standards across multiple competitions.
Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as the primary target to fill the void left by Rodri. The Moroccan teenager impressed during the World Cup, drawing attention from several top European clubs. While Lille initially sought a structure that would include a 12-month loan back to France, City is pushing for an immediate transfer to ensure Bouaddi is available for the start of the new season. Maresca views the young player as a key component in rebuilding the midfield’s dynamic.
The club has not ruled out further activity in the market if negotiations with Lille do not yield the desired result. Reports indicate that City retains interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández as an alternative option to bolster their central options. As the transfer window progresses, the focus remains on securing a replacement who can adapt quickly to Maresca’s system and provide stability during this period of significant roster turnover.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Rodri set to complete Barcelona move after Manchester City accept £65.4m bid
