Rodri is set to complete his Barcelona medical on Tuesday, August 18, ahead of his move to the Catalan club.
Barcelona initially made an offer of around £40 million for the Manchester City midfielder before returning with a second bid worth £55 million. Both offers were rejected by City.
However, reports now claim the two clubs have reached an agreement over a transfer fee of £65.4 million for the Spain international.
Rodri is expected to sign a four-year contract with Barcelona, bringing his seven-year spell at Manchester City to an end.
Rodri chooses Barcelona over Real Madrid
Despite having just one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, Rodri has been linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid throughout the 2026 summer transfer window.
Real Madrid appeared to be the more likely destination for much of the summer, but Barcelona have now won the race for the midfielder’s signature.
The move will also give Rodri the opportunity to fulfil what he has previously described as a “dream” of playing for Barcelona.
Speaking to journalistic at the airport the day before his medical, Rodri said, “I’m very happy to have arrived. The last few days have been intense, but I’m glad everything has been sorted out. Of course, playing for FC Barcelona is a dream.
“I can’t wait to be with my team-mates, many of whom I already know from the national team. It’s time to get to work and give my very best.”
Rodri leaves Man City with an impressive record
Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 and went on to establish himself as one of the most important players in the club’s recent history.
Across seven seasons, the defensive midfielder made 298 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists.
The defensive midfielder was also named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner after playing a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League and Champions League success, while he helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Rodri also won the Golden Ball at the 2026 World Cup.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the UEFA Champions League in the 2022/23 season.
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Man City face difficult task replacing Rodri
Replacing Rodri will be no easy task for Manchester City.
The midfielder was central to the club’s success during his seven years in England, while his importance was often highlighted whenever injuries kept him out of the team.
New Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca previously acknowledged Rodri’s importance when speaking after City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the 2026 FA Community Shield.
“All teams need a player like Rodri,” Maresca said.
Rodri did not feature in the match after only returning to Manchester City’s training ground two days earlier. He had undergone minor back surgery following the 2026 World Cup.
With his Barcelona move now nearing completion, Manchester City face the considerable challenge of finding a player capable of filling the void left by one of the world’s best defensive midfielders.
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