Barcelona seal Rodri signing from Manchester City in €76.5m deal
Barcelona seal Rodri signing from Manchester City in €76.5m deal
Barcelona have officially completed the signing of midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, from Manchester City, with the club agreeing a deal that runs until 30 June 2030. The Spain international, who was unveiled this week as the club's latest summer addition, arrives on the back of a decorated spell at the Etihad that included 13 major honours.
Hansi Flick, the Barcelona coach, did not hide his delight at landing the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. "It was a great opportunity for us to be able to sign him, so we were all 100% convinced because he's a fantastic player," Flick told the club's media. "He's a fantastic player who brings something special to every team, and for me, it's great to have him here. I think he's perhaps the best number 6."
The German added: "He can control the game, but he also helps in defense, he can win aerial duels, which is very important for us, and of course, he raises the level of every player."
According to reports, Barcelona paid €76.5m (£65m) to bring Rodri in from Manchester City, with the midfielder having previously been a long-standing target for Real Madrid.
Rodri: 'Barça really suits my style and personality'
The new Barça midfielder is determined to achieve all the team's objectives this season. "Barça really suits my style and personality," Rodri said after his unveiling.
Rodri has said he is in good shape to play following recent back surgery and will now start training with Barcelona ahead of the start of their La Liga title defence on Sunday.
A rare Ballon d'Or connection
Rodri joins a select group at Camp Nou. He is only the third player to sign for Barcelona having already won the Ballon d'Or, following Johan Cruyff and Allan Simonsen.
Captains and the Gamper Trophy
Ahead of the Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm, Flick confirmed that until a vote when the squad is complete, Raphinha, Eric García and Pedri will serve as the club's three captains.
New signings Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Rodrigo Hernández were pictured together with the Joan Gamper Trophy ahead of Wednesday's clash against Egyptian giants Al Ahly.