Fermín clears No. 16 for incoming Rodri

Barcelona midfielder Fermín López is set to change squad numbers to make No. 16 available for Rodri, whose arrival from Manchester City is described as imminent after the clubs reached an agreement.

Rodri, 30, is expected to travel to Barcelona for a medical before completing his contract. The Spain international has reportedly asked to retain the No. 16 shirt he has worn prominently during his career.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodri discussed the number with Fermín López in recent days. Fermín will take No. 7 after Ferran Torres’ departure, allowing Rodri to keep No. 16 when he joins the squad.

The number switch is an early sign of the preparations being made for Rodri’s integration into Barcelona’s midfield. His arrival would also have implications for the club’s current options, including Marc Casadó, whose future is increasingly uncertain.