Rodri has completed his move from Manchester City to Barcelona, with the Spain midfielder signing a contract with the Catalan club until June 30, 2030.
Barcelona officially announced the transfer on August 18 after Rodri arrived in the city and completed the final stages of his move. The deal is reportedly worth $88.56 million (£65.4 million), with Barcelona beating Real Madrid to the midfielder’s signature.
“FC Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, known in the football world as Rodri, who is committing to the Catalan club until 30 June 2030,” the Catalan club said in its official statement.
Rodri said he was pleased to begin the new chapter of his career at Barcelona. “I’m very happy and excited about this new stage in my career,” he said. “It’s a fresh challenge, a chance to experience new things and feel that excitement again.”
The 30-year-old also spoke about his decision to join Barcelona after being linked with Real Madrid. He said the Catalan club had always been his first choice despite having other offers. He added that Barcelona’s style of play suits him better: “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.”
Rodri will now work under Hansi Flick, whom he said could bring a different experience to his career.
“I’m happy to have a coach who I think will bring a lot to my career. It’s a style that I think is somewhat different from what I’ve experienced before, so it will be enriching and help me grow as a player,” Rodri said.
Rodri says he is ready to return
Rodri’s arrival comes after recent concerns over his fitness. The midfielder underwent minor back surgery in July, with the procedure expected to keep him out at the beginning of the season.
He insisted, however, that he is ready to return to training.
“I’m ready to go,” Rodri told reporters. “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.”
The back problem follows a difficult period with injuries. Rodri missed more than seven months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2024 and also dealt with knee and hamstring problems last season.
Despite those setbacks, he played a central role in Spain’s recent success. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was part of Spain’s European Championship-winning squad and captained the national team to World Cup glory last month. He was also named the tournament’s best player.
A successful Manchester City spell
Rodri leaves Manchester City after joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He made 298 appearances for City, scoring 28 goals and winning 14 major trophies. His honours included four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups.
He was also an important part of City’s 2022-23 treble-winning campaign and helped the club become the first men’s top-flight team in English football history to win four consecutive Premier League titles.
Rodri spent six seasons working under Pep Guardiola and became one of the most important players in City’s midfield.
In his farewell message to City supporters, he said:
“I knew I came into a top team but I never thought we could be able to create the legacy we made winning trophies, fans around the world, love and respect.”
“We made an example to inspire the next generations not only because the success, also because the way we did it. And the fans were with us every step of the way...”
“Making history, with the Treble, with Four in a Row. We saw things they’ll never see... It’s time to say goodbye, thanks to the club, the fans, the staff and my teammates. This journey couldn’t be the same without you, my heart will always be Blue.”
At Barcelona, Rodri will look to help the club win a third consecutive LaLiga title while also competing for the Champions League, a title the club had been chasing for the last decade.
