Ballon d'Or Winner Rodri Set for Sensational Barcelona Move in £65.4m Deal

FC Barcelona have agreed a sensational £65.4 million (€76.5 million) deal with Manchester City to sign midfield maestro Rodri. The 30-year-old Spanish international, hot off winning both the 2024 Ballon d'Or and the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball, has chosen to return to his homeland, snubbing interest from Real Madrid.

Rodri had entering the final year of his contract with the Premier League side. Despite Manchester City’s determined efforts to secure his future with a lucrative extension, the midfielder formally expressed his desire for a new challenge in La Liga. The Catalan giants initially faced a rejection over a €50 million opening bid but successfully bridged the valuation gap to seal the agreement.

The midfield anchor is set to sign a four-year contract keeping him at the Camp Nou until 2030. He is expected in Barcelona this week to undergo medical examinations and finalize personal terms. Under manager Hansi Flick, Rodri will reunite with eight of his World Cup-winning international teammates, including Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Meanwhile, City manager Enzo Maresca has already pivoted, targeting Lille’s teenage prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi as a long-term replacement.