Barcelona have officially announced the signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City, adding one of the world’s most accomplished midfielders to a squad already packed with Spanish talent.The 30-year-old midfielder has signed a contract that will keep him at the Catalan club until 2030, Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday after he completed his medical and the final details of the transfer were settled.The deal is reportedly worth 76.5 million euros ($88.5 million), according to a person familiar with the transaction who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the clubs had not publicly disclosed the financial details.Rodri, who had one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, arrived in Barcelona on Monday and made no secret of his excitement at joining the Spanish giants.“Very happy to arrive. For me it’s a dream to play for Barcelona. I’m excited about being with my teammates, many of them I already know. Now it’s time to get to work and give my best,” Rodri told reporters.
World Cup winner joins Spain stars
Rodri arrives at Barcelona after playing a central role in Spain’s World Cup triumph. He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and became the latest major addition to a Barcelona squad featuring several members of Spain’s title-winning generation.He will link up with international teammates including Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi and Pedri.The move represents another major step in Rodri’s decorated career. He joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and went on to become one of the key figures in the club’s most successful period.Rodri scored the winning goal in City’s Champions League final victory over Inter Milan in 2023. A year later, he won the Ballon d’Or after helping Spain win the European Championship.His move to Barcelona, however, comes as City face a significant midfield reshuffle. Bernardo Silva has also left the club for Real Madrid this offseason, further reducing City’s options in the middle of the pitch.Rodri did not feature in City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday as he continued his recovery from minor back surgery following the World Cup.
Barcelona strengthen squad for title push
Barcelona are aiming for a third consecutive La Liga title and have been active in the transfer market as they reshape their squad.The club have already strengthened their attack with England forward Anthony Gordon, who is expected to help compensate for the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Barcelona are also set to add defender João Cancelo.Rodri’s arrival, though, gives the midfield an experienced leader and a player capable of controlling matches at the highest level.Real Madrid had reportedly shown interest in Rodri before Barcelona completed the deal. The midfielder had previously spoken highly of Barcelona’s arch-rivals, but reports suggested that Madrid were unable to reach an agreement with the player.Now, Barcelona have won the race for the Spain captain, bringing one of the game’s premier midfielders back to Spain and adding another world-class name to their bid for continued domestic dominance.
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