Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Spain midfielder Rodri, with the final paperwork and signatures expected to be completed in the coming hours.
The financial details of the proposed transfer have not yet been officially announced, although the fee is expected to be close to €50m, according to Radio Catalonia 1.
Rodri is expected to join Barcelona on 12 August, when the club’s Spain internationals who took part in the World Cup are due to return. His arrival would mark a significant change in direction for Barcelona’s transfer plans and provide a major addition to their midfield.
The agreement follows a shift in the player’s position after he gave Barcelona permission to begin formal negotiations with Manchester City. Sources within the Catalan club confirmed that development last Thursday, paving the way for talks over a transfer that had previously appeared unlikely.
Barcelona had spent much of the recent period believing Rodri was more inclined to move to Real Madrid. That assumption meant the club’s sporting department did not initially consider signing him a realistic possibility.
Strengthening midfield had also not been among Barcelona’s main priorities during the earlier stages of the transfer process. However, Rodri’s change of stance altered the club’s assessment and turned the Spain international from a distant prospect into a genuine target.
Barcelona have now completed an agreement with Manchester City, subject to the remaining administrative formalities, and are preparing for Rodri to begin his career at the club in August.
The midfielder’s anticipated arrival would give Barcelona greater experience and authority in the centre of the pitch. Rodri’s international career and his time with Manchester City are viewed as important assets as the club seek to build a midfield capable of providing greater strength and consistency.
The deal also represents a notable development in Barcelona’s recruitment strategy. The club had initially appeared to be outside the race for Rodri, particularly because of the expectation that he could favour a move to Real Madrid. His decision to open negotiations with Barcelona enabled the Catalan club to act decisively.
The transfer will become official once the outstanding documents have been completed and the contracts signed. Until then, the clubs have agreed the principal terms of a deal that is expected to be worth approximately €50m.
Rodri’s planned arrival on 12 August would coincide with the return of Barcelona’s other Spain players who were involved at the World Cup, allowing him to start preparations alongside them as he begins his new chapter with the club.
