Barcelona have completed the signing of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a deal worth around £65 million.
The 30-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with the Catalan club, returning to Spanish football after leaving Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri ends a seven-year spell at Manchester City during which he made 298 appearances and won 12 major trophies.
His honors include four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League, which City won in 2023.
The Spain international’s final two seasons at City were affected by injuries, but he returned to his best during this summer’s World Cup.
Rodri was named player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy for the second time, further increasing interest in his signature.
Real Madrid had initially appeared to be in the strongest position to sign Rodri as he entered the final year of his City contract.
However, Barcelona secured the player’s approval to negotiate with Manchester City, according to sources, before Real Madrid eventually ended their interest.
Manchester City rejected Barcelona’s first offer of £38.5 million, but negotiations continued before the two clubs reached an agreement for a fee in the region of £65 million.
Rodri had already traveled to Barcelona on Monday, where he described joining the club as a “dream”.
The move gives Barcelona one of the world’s most accomplished midfielders and represents a major addition to their squad.
Rodri will now begin a new chapter in Spain after seven highly successful years in England, with Barcelona hoping his experience and quality can help them compete for major honors.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have begun José Mourinho’s latest era at the club in an unusual fashion, presenting the Portuguese manager in a private ceremony away from supporters and the media.
According to reports, Mourinho’s welcome ceremony was held privately after he signed a contract that will keep him at Real Madrid until 2029.
Rather than organizing a press conference, the club released images of the signing on its television channel, giving journalists no opportunity to question the returning coach.
The change is understood to have been driven by club president Florentino Pérez, who has opted for private presentation ceremonies for new arrivals this summer.
In previous seasons, major arrivals have been introduced to supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
