Manchester City are set to part ways with star midfielder Rodri, who has reached an agreement to move to Barcelona. The Spain international, who claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or, had been heavily linked with a return to his home country as he entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Real Madrid were also previously identified as potential suitors for the 30-year-old.
Rodri was notably absent from the Manchester City squad that faced Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday, a match the club lost 3-0. He had been granted an extended break following his participation in Spain’s successful World Cup campaign this summer. During the match at the Principality Stadium, manager Enzo Maresca opted for a double pivot consisting of new £116 million signing Elliot Anderson and Mateo Kovacic, with Nico introduced as a second-half substitute.
Since joining the club in 2019, Rodri has become a central figure, making 196 appearances and scoring 23 goals. His tenure included a historic treble in 2023 and the decisive goal in that year’s Champions League final, which secured the club’s first European crown. During his time in England, he has also lifted four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and three League Cups.
As the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion, Manchester City are looking to remain active in the market. The club is currently in discussions with Lille regarding 18-year-old Moroccan prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Savinho is reportedly seeking a move to Tottenham.
