Rodri says playing for Barcelona is a dream as transfer nears
The 30-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo a medical examination Tuesday as Barcelona and Manchester City exchange the necessary documents to finalize the transfer
Spain captain Rodri arrived in Barcelona on Monday to complete his move from Manchester City, saying it was a dream for him to play for the Catalan club.
The 30-year-old midfielder is expected to undergo a medical examination Tuesday as Barcelona and Manchester City exchange the necessary documents to finalize the transfer.
Barcelona have agreed to pay 76.5 million euros ($88.5 million) for Rodri, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the transfer details have not been officially disclosed.
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"Very happy to arrive. There have been some very intense days, but I'm happy that everything has been resolved," Rodri briefly told reporters.
"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," he said.
Rodri helped Spain win its second World Cup title last month and will reunite with international teammates Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi and Pedri at Barcelona.
He was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Rodri had one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, while his reported agreement with Barcelona will run through 2030.
Real Madrid had also reportedly shown interest in signing Rodri, who has previously spoken highly of Barcelona's La Liga rival.
Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick and aiming for a third consecutive La Liga title, have already strengthened their squad with England forward Anthony Gordon. He is expected to help offset the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who scored the extra-time winner for Spain in the World Cup final against Argentina.
The club is also expected to sign defender João Cancelo in the coming days.
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He scored the winning goal in City's Champions League final victory over Inter Milan in 2023 and won the Ballon d'Or as the world's best player the following year after helping Spain win the European Championship.
His departure will further weaken Manchester City's midfield following Bernardo Silva's move to Real Madrid this offseason.
Rodri did not feature in City's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday as he continues to recover from minor back surgery he underwent following the World Cup.
