Barca has finalized the transfer fee with Man City and will now negotiate personal terms with Rodri. Both sides expect to sign a four-year contract, paving the way for the 30-year-old midfielder to join the Catalan club.

Once the deal is complete, Rodri will reunite with seven teammates from Spain's 2026 World Cup-winning squad at Barca: Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal.

Rodri poses with the player of the tournament award after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, USA, on 19/7/2026. *Photo: AP*

According to The Athletic, Barca began exploring the possibility of signing Rodri on 6/8. The Spanish player reportedly prefers a move to Camp Nou over any other club. Real Madrid also inquired about bringing the Spain captain to the Bernabeu this summer.

On 7/8, Barca offered approximately 52,1 million USD plus add-ons to acquire Rodri. However, Man City rejected the offer, stating they wanted nearly 92,5 million USD to approve the midfielder's departure.

Rodri joined Man City from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019. During his seven years at the Etihad Stadium, the Spanish midfielder won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the Champions League in 2023, where he scored the decisive goal in the final. In total, Rodri has 28 goals and 32 assists in 298 appearances for Man City.

Should he move to Camp Nou, Rodri would be a high-quality upgrade for coach Hansi Flick's squad. His ability to control tempo, pass, and read situations aligns with Barca's developing possession-based, high-pressing style of play.

The midfielder, born in 1996, could continue his familiar role from Man City: dropping deep to support the center-backs, distributing the ball wide, delivering defense-splitting passes, and choosing opportune moments to enter the penalty area.

Rodri celebrates after Man City defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League final at Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey, on 11/6/2023. *Photo: Reuters*

The Athletic's playing style data analysis indicates that Flick's Barca last season had the most similar playing style to Rodri's Man City. Both teams prioritized ball possession, dictated play, defended with a high line, and created chances through short passing combinations.

Rodri was absent when Man City lost 0-3 to Arsenal in the Community Shield match on 16/8. After the game, coach Enzo Maresca admitted that "every club needs a player like Rodri" and urged Man City to accelerate their transfer market activity. The Manchester club has already spent 153 million USD to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and is actively pursuing 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup.

Man City is also interested in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, despite missing Chelsea's deadline. However, selling Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for approximately 68,9 million USD and Rodri to Barca could provide Man City with additional financial resources to continue negotiations with Chelsea.

By Hong Duy