Manchester City Accept £65 Million Bid as Rodri Nears Barcelona Transfer

Manchester City captain Rodri is poised to finalize his transfer to Barcelona imminently after the Premier League club agreed to a £65 million fee for the Spanish midfielder.

Rodri was notably absent from the Manchester City squad that faced Arsenal in the Community Shield match in Cardiff, where the Gunners secured a 3-0 victory. The 30-year-old midfielder, who claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2024, is expected to commit to a four-year contract with the Spanish champions.

Addressing the media following the defeat, new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated: "Rodri is a player who just won the World Cup and Ballon d'Or. He's a top player; all the teams need a Rodri, so it's not about if we miss Rodri or not."

Speculation surrounding Rodri's future intensified when a photo went viral on social media showing him traveling on a budget Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool. Entering the final year of his contract at Manchester City, he had also attracted interest from Real Madrid following an impressive World Cup campaign where he led Spain to victory and earned player of the tournament honors.

During his seven trophy-laden seasons at Manchester City following his 2019 arrival from Atletico Madrid, Rodri made 298 appearances and secured 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the UEFA Champions League.

Rodri's exit follows a wave of departures from Manchester City since the conclusion of last season. Bernardo Silva moved to Real Madrid after nine years at the club, Manuel Akanji made his loan to Inter Milan permanent, Nathan Ake transferred to Fenerbahce, and John Stones departed upon the expiration of his contract. Meanwhile, Tijjani Reijnders is heading to Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.

To bolster the squad, Manchester City have signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million and are close to finalizing an £85 million agreement for Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has also emerged as a target for the club.