Rodri arrives in Catalonia to complete Barcelona switch

Rodri is edging closer to a long-held dream after landing in Spain on Monday to finalise his transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona.

It was reported on Sunday that Barcelona had agreed a deal with City for around £65m (€76.5m), with the fee understood to have the potential to rise to €76m. The 30-year-old flew to Catalunya on Monday to complete the move and sign a reported four-year contract.

Speaking to journalists at the airport on Monday, Rodri said: "I'm very happy to have arrived. The last few days have been intense, but I'm glad everything has been sorted out. Of course, playing for FC Barcelona is a dream."

"I can't wait to be with my team-mates, many of whom I already know from the national team. It's time to get to work and give my very best. We will go for the Champions League and for every title."

He added on arrival: "It's a dream to be here! We will go for the Champions League and for everything!" and told reporters he was "thrilled to be here" after an intense few days.

From City stalwart to Barcelona return

Rodri led Spain to World Cup 2026 glory over the summer and is now on the brink of returning to Spain after leaving Atletico Madrid to join City in a then club-record £62.8m deal in 2019.

The Spain captain enjoyed a trophy-laden seven years at the Etihad, including winning the Champions League in 2023, in which he scored the winning goal against Inter. He made 298 appearances for City in total, despite missing much of the 2024-25 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

City had reportedly rejected Barcelona's opening bid of £38.5m, with Rodri entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

World Cup Golden Ball pedigree

Rodri won the Golden Ball for his performances at the World Cup, registering 756 successful passes at the tournament, the most of any player ahead of Pau Cubarsi on 671. He also led the way for tackles attempted (23) and won (18) and ranked fourth for successful duels (49).

The Spain captain is also the fourth different men's player to win each of the World Cup, Euros, European Cup/Champions League and Ballon d'Or after Gerd Muller, Franz Beckenbauer and Zinedine Zidane.

Barcelona have splashed out over €70m for Rodri, who is now set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract and join up with his new team-mates at Camp Nou as the club targets a return to European glory.