Barcelona and Manchester City near agreement to sign Rodri

Barcelona are close to finalising a deal with Manchester City to bring Rodri to La Liga, a move that could reshape both clubs' midfield options.

4 min read
UEFA_EURO_qualifiers_Sweden_vs_Spain_20191015
Photo: Rolandhino1 / CC BY via Wikimedia Commons · source

Barcelona and Manchester City are close to finalising a deal to sign Rodri, with an agreed fee of €60 million upfront and additional add‑ons, while Manchester City have accepted a bid valued at £65.4 million; the transfer would bring a World Cup‑winning defensive midfielder to La Liga, reshaping both clubs' midfield options

Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Rodri. Rodri is a Spanish defensive midfielder who captains the Spain national team and won the World Cup. He has been a key player for Manchester City since joining from Atlético Madrid. His potential departure follows a series of negotiations between the clubs. The deal has sparked interest from other clubs and raised questions about the future shape of Manchester City’s midfield. Recent reports have offered conflicting figures on the transfer fee, and the player’s availability was highlighted when he was omitted from the Manchester City squad for the Community Shield match. The situation remains fluid as the transfer window progresses, with the clubs working toward a final resolution.

Initial agreement and fee details

Barcelona and Manchester City reached an agreement on 5 August 2023 to sign Rodri, with a base transfer fee of €60 million and add‑ons considered achievable, according to reports. Manchester City accepted a bid valued at £65.4 million, confirming the financial framework of the deal. The agreement marks a significant move for Barcelona, who have targeted the Spanish midfielder to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new season. Figures cited in the announcement remain exact: €60 million upfront and £65.4 million as the accepted valuation. The clubs have not disclosed further details, but the transfer fee structure is understood to include performance‑related bonuses. Barcelona’s offer was formally accepted by Manchester City, though the player’s registration remains subject to final medicals and administrative approvals.

  1. Barcelona reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Rodri

  2. Barcelona negotiating with Manchester City over a potential transfer of Rodri

  3. Barcelona close to agreeing a fee with Manchester City for Rodri

  4. Transfer fee agreed for Rodri is €60 million upfront with additional add‑ons that are viewed as achievable

  5. Manchester City accepted a bid from Barcelona for Rodri, valued at £65.4 million

  6. Rodri is a World Cup‑winning midfielder and former Ballon d’Or holder

  7. Rodri is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Manchester City and captains the Spain national team

  8. Rodri did not travel with the Manchester City squad for the Community Shield match against Arsenal

  9. Barcelona made a renewed offer for Rodri, according to a source

  10. Barcelona confirmed a £42.7m fee for Rodri

  11. Manchester City rejected a bid for Rodri

  12. Liverpool received a boost in their pursuit of Bradley Barcola

Context of the player and market interest

Rodri is a Spanish defensive midfielder who captains the Spain national team and was a key member of the 2023 World Cup‑winning side. He also held the Ballon d’Or title in 2023, underscoring his status as one of the world’s top midfielders. His experience and leadership make him a prime target for Barcelona as they seek to reshape their midfield ahead of the new season. The interest from Barcelona reflects a broader market appetite for a player who combines defensive solidity with playmaking ability.

€60 million upfront with additional add‑ons that are viewed
Transfer fee agreed for Rodri
£65.4 million
Manchester City have accepted a bid from Barcelona for Rodri
£42.7m
Barcelona have confirmed a £42.7m fee for Rodri

Recent negotiations and conflicting reports

Barcelona have made renewed offers for Rodri, reportedly confirming a £42.7m fee, though earlier statements put the agreed sum at €60 million up front with add‑ons. According to multiple outlets, Manchester City have turned down certain bids, and some reports claim the club has also rejected a £65.4 million offer that was said to have been accepted. The discrepancies leave the exact terms and the status of the deal unclear.

Barcelona have renewed offers that reportedly confirm a £42.7m fee, yet earlier statements placed the upfront payment at €60 million with add‑ons. Multiple outlets noted Manchester City turned down a bid said to be £65.4m, and later reports claimed the club also rejected the £42.7m proposal. The conflicting figures leave the exact terms and the deal's progress uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

When did Barcelona reach an agreement to sign Rodri?

Barcelona reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Rodri on 2023-08-05.

What is the transfer fee agreed for Rodri?

The transfer fee agreed for Rodri is €60 million upfront with additional add‑ons that are viewed as achievable, according to the briefing.

How much did Manchester City accept for Rodri?

Manchester City accepted a bid from Barcelona for Rodri valued at £65.4 million.

Did Barcelona confirm a different fee for Rodri?

Barcelona confirmed a £42.7m fee for Rodri, as reported in the briefing, though this figure is marked low confidence.

Why didn't Rodri travel with Manchester City for the Community Shield?

Rodri did not travel with the Manchester City squad for the Community Shield match against Arsenal, according to the briefing, but this detail is marked low confidence.

Share this article

More news