Rodri ready for ‘excitement again’ after Barca complete £65m deal

Rodri Completes £65m Switch to Barcelona After Seven Years at Manchester City

Ninoda.com – The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has sealed a four-year deal at the Nou Camp, ending his seven-season spell with Manchester City and returning to Spanish football for the first time since departing Atletico Madrid back in 2019. Barcelona agreed to pay a fee in the region of £65m to land the midfielder, who is now 30.

Speaking on his arrival, Rodri expressed enthusiasm about the fresh chapter ahead of him.

“I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career. It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again.”

“I’ve come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I’ll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season.”

Embracing a New Tactical Identity Under Flick

The Spaniard also commented on the prospect of working under German head coach Hansi Flick, describing the experience as one that would broaden his game.

“I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player.”

Arriving at Barcelona’s airport on Monday, Rodri told waiting journalists that representing the Catalan club represents a “dream” fulfilled.

A City Legacy Built Over Seven Seasons

Before departing, Rodri made his mark across 298 appearances for Manchester City, collecting 12 major trophies along the way. Those honours include four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Champions League triumph of 2023. His final two campaigns at the club were blighted by injury, yet he reclaimed his peak form during this summer’s World Cup, earning the player-of-the-tournament award as Spain claimed the trophy for the second time in their history.

In a farewell addressed to City supporters, the midfielder reflected on what the club meant beyond the pitch.

“I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories.”

“What we have done together in these years is something both very special and unforgettable.”

“City didn’t just make me a grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. Manchester shaped my whole life.”

How the Transfer Unfolded

Rodri had entered the final 12 months of the contract he signed with City in 2022. The Premier League club sought to offer an extension, but negotiations produced no outcome. Real Madrid initially appeared the frontrunner to sign the midfielder, though sources told BBC Sport that Barcelona already held Rodri’s personal approval to open talks with City.

In March, speaking to Spanish radio about the possibility of a Real Madrid move, Rodri had acknowledged the pull of elite clubs.

“There are more players who have taken that path. Not directly, but over time. You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”

That Real Madrid interest ultimately faded. Barcelona’s initial bid of £38.5m was turned down by City, after which both sides closed the gap and settled on a figure well above that opening number.

A Turbulent Summer for Manchester City

The departure of Rodri forms part of a sweeping reshuffle at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola stepped down as manager following a decade in the role. Long-serving defenders John Stones and Bernardo Silva both walked out when their contracts lapsed, with Silva heading to Real Madrid — meaning he could now face Rodri in El Clasico fixtures.

City have also offloaded defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji, alongside goalkeeper James Trafford. A deal sending Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah is close to completion.

On the spending front, City have committed £116m to bring England midfielder Elliot Anderson in from Nottingham Forest. Advanced talks are also under way with Lille over teenage Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi. BBC Sport understands Enzo Maresca’s squad have likewise not abandoned their pursuit of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.