2 weeks ago
Ballon d’Or Winner Rodri Joins Barcelona From Manchester City
Rodri is a famous soccer midfielder who moved from Manchester City to Barcelona.
Barcelona reportedly paid about $88.5 million for him.
He signed a contract that lasts until 2030.
Rodri won many trophies with Manchester City, including Premier League titles and a Champions League.
He also won the Ballon d’Or and helped Spain win the World Cup.
He said playing for Barcelona was a dream and that he wants to help the club win the Champions League.
Rodri will work with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick and several teammates from Spain.
He recently had a small back operation, so he may need time before playing matches.
Barcelona signed Spain midfielder Rodri from Manchester City for a reported €76.5 million, or about $88.5 million.
The 30-year-old agreed to a contract with Barcelona through June 2030 after reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid.
Rodri leaves Manchester City after six or seven years, 298 appearances and either 12 or 14 major trophies, according to differing reports.
His honors include the 2024 Ballon d’Or, a World Cup title with Spain, four Premier League titles and a Champions League.
Rodri is recovering from minor back surgery but said he is ready to train and hopes to play when Hansi Flick considers him fit.
- Who
- Spain midfielder Rodri, also known as Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, and the football clubs Barcelona and Manchester City.
- What
- Barcelona completed the signing of Rodri from Manchester City on a contract reportedly running until June 2030.
- Where
- Barcelona, Spain, where Rodri arrived at the club headquarters and was unveiled.
- When
- Rodri arrived in Barcelona on Monday, and the clubs and Barcelona officially announced the agreement on Tuesday.
- Why
- Rodri said playing for Barcelona was a dream, while Barcelona wants to strengthen its midfield and pursue domestic and European trophies.
Barcelona’s Opportunity
Manchester City’s Loss
Team impact
Barcelona’s Opportunity
Barcelona gains a Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder who could strengthen its squad as it seeks another LaLiga title and a Champions League triumph.
Manchester City’s Loss
Manchester City loses a pivotal midfielder who helped the club win multiple major trophies, including four Premier League titles and a Champions League.
Transfer choice
Barcelona’s Opportunity
Barcelona secured Rodri after reportedly overcoming two rejected bids and beating interest from Real Madrid.
Manchester City’s Loss
Rodri’s departure ends his trophy-laden spell at City and further weakens the club’s midfield, especially with reports that Bernardo Silva has also left for Real Madrid.
Immediate availability
Barcelona’s Opportunity
Rodri said he is ready to train and hopes to play as soon as possible after regaining his fitness.
Manchester City’s Loss
His recent back surgery and earlier knee, hamstring and anterior cruciate ligament problems could delay his return to regular matches.
Key facts
- Transfer fee
- Reported at €76.5 million, £65.4 million or approximately $88.5 million, with one report saying the figure may include bonuses.
- Contract
- Barcelona contract through 30 June 2030.
- Player
- Rodri, 30, Spain midfielder.
- Manchester City record
- 298 appearances and 28 goals; reports differ on whether he won 12 or 14 major trophies.
- Major honors
- 2024 Ballon d’Or, World Cup title with Spain, four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League.
- Current fitness
- Recovering from minor back surgery and previous injury problems; he said he is ready to train.
- Barcelona ambition
- Rodri said he wants to compete for major honors, including the Champions League, while Barcelona is pursuing a third consecutive LaLiga title.
Quotes
Rodri
Spain’s World Cup‑winning midfielder, recently transferred to Barcelona
“I'm ready to go. The surgery everyone was talking about was no big deal – it was just an outpatient procedure. I'm ready to train with the team, and when the coach thinks it's time – once I've gotten back into the swing of things – I'll be ready to play. I hope that's as soon as possible.”
rediff.com
“"I'm here to compete for everything, for big things like the Champions League. I've come to a hugely ambitious club that really suits my personality, so I'll try to help in every way I can to achieve our objectives this season."”
livemint.com
Sources
Spain's World Cup-winning captain Rodri officially joins Barcelona from Manchester City, eyes Champions League glory
'A Dream To Play For Barcelona': World Cup Hero Rodri Arrives In Spain To Seal €76.5 Million Move From Manchester City | Video
Barcelona win Rodri race: Ballon d'Or winner arrives from Manchester City in $88.56m deal
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