Barcelona have announced the signing of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a deal worth in the region of £65m.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has signed a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, returning to Spanish football for the first time since 2019 when he played for Atletico Madrid.
Rodri, 30, leaves City after seven seasons at the club, having made 298 appearances and won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2023.
His final two seasons at the club were disrupted by injury but he returned to his best form for this summer’s World Cup, being named player of the tournament as Spain lifted the trophy for the second time.
Coming off the back of winning the World Cup and being named the tournament’s best player, Rodri had been eyeing a move back to Spain and turned down Real Madrid in favour of the LaLiga champions.
Barcelona would certainly love to end their wait to be crowned champions of Europe again and will hope that Rodri’s experience can benefit them in the competition.
The midfielder lifted the Champions League in 2023 with Manchester City and is clearly hoping he can add more titles to his collection at Camp Nou.
“Happy to arrive, it’s been an intense few days, I’m thrilled to be here. Playing for Barcelona is a dream,” he said.
“We’re going for the Champions League and everything else that comes our way,” Rodri said.
Credit: bbc.com
