Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri for a reported fee of around £65m, bringing the Spain captain back to his home country.
The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Spanish champions. The transfer is likely to be completed within the next few days.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club-record £62.8m. During seven successful seasons at the Etihad Stadium, he made 298 appearances and became one of the most influential midfielders in the club’s history.
His time at City was interrupted by injuries. A serious knee problem ruled him out for much of the 2024-25 campaign, while a hamstring issue also affected his involvement last season.
However, Rodri returned to his best at this summer’s World Cup. He played a leading role as Spain lifted the trophy for a second time and was subsequently named the tournament’s best player.
Rodri departs Manchester City with 12 major trophies to his name, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League, which City won in 2022-23.
Barcelona’s latest offer follows an earlier proposal of £38.5m that City rejected last week. With Rodri approaching the final year of his contract, the transfer picture quickly changed.
Real Madrid had previously appeared to be his most likely destination, but Barcelona accelerated their pursuit and have now moved ahead of their La Liga rivals.
After Manchester City’s Community Shield defeat by Arsenal on Sunday, manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of Rodri’s calibre.
“Rodri is a player who just won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or,” Maresca said. “He’s a top player, all the teams need a Rodri.”
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Could Bouaddi Fill Rodri’s Role?
Manchester City have been linked with a move for Ayyoub Bouaddi throughout the summer, and reports suggest the club have held talks over the 18-year-old.
The Moroccan is reportedly valued at around £85m and is believed to be interested in a move to the Premier League.
Bouaddi attracted considerable attention during the World Cup, while his reputation had already grown after his impressive performance for Lille in their Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024.
The teenager operates as a deep-lying midfielder, a role that has similarities to the one Rodri occupied at City. His profile could also complement new signing Elliot Anderson, who offers greater box-to-box qualities.
City are not only dealing with Rodri’s departure. Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders have also left, meaning Maresca faces the task of reshaping a midfield that has lost several key figures.
Bouaddi’s 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season also suggest he has gained significant senior experience despite his young age.
Manchester City Still Interested in Enzo Fernandez
Another midfielder on City’s radar is Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
City’s interest in the Argentina international has been well established, although no formal offer was made before Chelsea’s Friday deadline. The Blues had set a 17:00 BST deadline for interested clubs and were reportedly seeking around £120m for the 25-year-old.
No bids were received, and Chelsea now hope to keep their vice-captain. However, Manchester City are understood to remain interested and believe a deal could still be possible.
Maresca is a known admirer of Fernandez. During his time managing Chelsea, he handed the midfielder the captain’s armband while Reece James was injured and selected him in 79 of his 92 matches in charge.
Fernandez is naturally a defensive midfielder but was frequently used further forward last season when Cole Palmer was unavailable. That change in role helped him produce a career-best 15 goals.
His versatility could give Maresca several options if City eventually manage to complete a deal.
City already have England midfielder Elliot Anderson following his move from Nottingham Forest, meaning Anderson and Fernandez could potentially operate together in the same midfield.
Alex Scott Another Midfield Option
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is another player Manchester City have reportedly considered.
The 22-year-old England international has turned down contract offers from Bournemouth amid interest from several Premier League clubs. His current contract runs until 2028, however, and Bournemouth remain keen to keep him.
The Cherries have already rejected a £64m offer from Chelsea and have made it clear that they do not welcome further approaches. Arsenal have also reportedly seen their interest rejected.
Scott’s energetic style and ability to carry the ball could suit Maresca’s possession-focused approach. His ability to deliver passes into dangerous areas and compete effectively in duels also makes him an attractive midfield option.
Mac Allister Also on City’s List
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is another player attracting interest from Manchester City.
The Argentina international has two years remaining on his current Liverpool contract and has established himself as an important part of the Reds’ midfield since arriving at Anfield.
His form dipped during a difficult 2025-26 campaign, but his Premier League-winning experience remains a significant asset.
Mac Allister would bring proven top-flight quality to City’s midfield and could potentially step straight into the team.
With Rodri’s departure now close to completion, Manchester City have several potential routes to rebuild their midfield. Whether they pursue Bouaddi, Fernandez, Scott, Mac Allister or another target, Maresca faces an important task in replacing one of the most influential players in the club’s recent history.