Rodri to Barcelona agreement reached – Man City star set to seal €76.5m return to Spain

“Can’t turn them down” 

Barcelona have agreed to sign Rodri from Manchester City in a deal that could reach €76.5 million. The Spain international is set to sign with the Blaugrana in the coming days after the two parties finally struck an agreement on Sunday night, just hours after Enzo Maresca’s side were beaten by Arsenal in the Community Shield.

Barca will pay €60m up front with another €11.5m in achievable add-ons and a further €5m in potential bonuses, according to The Athletic. It brings an end to a saga that lasted months, with Rodri turning down Real Madrid to head to the Camp Nou. The Ballon d’Or winner in 2024 is arguably the best midfielder in the world currently and speculation has overshadowed both him and his club ahead of the new season. Here’s how it all unfolded across the summer.

Why Barcelona beat Real Madrid

It was widely reported that Madrid wanted to sign the Man City star as their squad undergoes a major transformation under José Mourinho. In July, Los Blancos made an official approach to Man City as they aim to sign him and indicated their willingness to a fee in excess of €50m.

Rodri made it crystal clear that it would be impossible to turn down a move to Madrid when speaking in March during the international break. “Having played for Atlético [in 2018-19] before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid,” he said. “There are other players who have done that before. Maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”

However, his stance shifted and it looks as if Barcelona will be successful in winning the race for his signature. Per Fabrizio Romano, the Blaugrana saw their initial offer of around €50 million rejected on August 8, but continued to improve their offer to City to sign the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. After weeks of talks, Barcelona have struck a deal to sign the world-class midfielder.

It’s reported that Rodri made a significant admission to his club that he only wanted to join Barca, which comes after Real Madrid showed interest in the Spain international. Having left LaLiga in 2019 to join City in a €70m deal, Rodri is now poised to end his seven-year spell away from his homeland by completing a big-money move back home.

Manchester City stance

Man City were in a troublesome position with Rodri as he has entered the last year of his contract. The Spain captain’s deal expires in 2027 and he had rebuffed any attempt to extend his contract from City chiefs. While there was some optimism within the City hierarchy that Rodri could extend, interest from Spain’s biggest clubs turned his head – and City simply couldn’t risk allowing him to walk away as a free agent in 10 months’ time.

City head coach Enzo Maresca appeared to suggest his situation could change, but not before next week: “At the moment, he will be in Manchester on Friday,” the Italian said about Rodri’s future. However, Rodri was not named in City’s 20-man squad for the 3-0 defeat in the Community Shield.

Market value/transfer fee

Rodri cemented his reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation by leading Spain to glory in the World Cup. The 30-year-old was exceptional as Spain swept aside their opponents, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament as they deservedly beat Argentina in the final. After struggling to recapture his best form after an ACL injury, Rodri reached his optimum levels again at the World Cup and was crowned player of the tournament.

After his exploits at the World Cup with Spain, Rodri received a €5m market value upgrade, which is incredibly rare for a player aged 30 or older. The Man City star is currently valued at €55m on Transfermarkt but it’s understood that the English club want a fee in excess of that to sanction his sale.

Despite the fact Barca could’ve waited to sign him on a free next summer, they didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Madrid have signed numerous high-profile players as free agents in recent years and may have been able to offer bigger wages if that scenario played out. Instead of allowing the saga to develop, Rodri is set to get his move and City will look to the future, ramping up their efforts to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.