Today's Edition
BARCELONA (REUTERS)
Barcelona have signed midfielder Rodri from Manchester City on a deal until June 2030, the LaLiga club announced on Tuesday, as the World Cup winner was entering the final year of his contract at the Premier League club.
The 30-year-old Spain international joins Hansi Flick's side for a reported fee of 65.4 million pounds ($88.56 million), with Barca beating Real Madrid to the midfielder's signature.
“FC Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, known in the football world as Rodri, who is committing to the Catalan club until 30 June 2030,” Barca said in a statement.
Rodri arrives after recently undergoing minor back surgery, a setback that was expected to keep him out for the start of the season. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, who was also part of Spain's European Championship winning squad, further enhanced his reputation by captaining his country to World Cup glory last month and was named the tournament's best player.
Rodri spent six seasons at Manchester City, winning multiple major honors and establishing himself as a key figure under Pep Guardiola. But the last two years have also been marked by injury setbacks.
He spent more than seven months on the sides after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024 while he also dealt with knee and hamstring problems last season.
Rodri leaves City after winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League, and two FA Cups since joining the English side from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
