Barcelona agree €76.5m Rodri deal with Manchester City

Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle to sign Rodri from Manchester City for €76.5 million ($88.4 million), according to sources cited by ESPN and The Athletic. The Times of India reports that Barcelona's third offer, made over the weekend, includes an upfront €60 million plus over €11 million in achievable bonuses, and City expect at least €71.5 million overall. The 30-year-old Spain captain, who had one year left on his contract, is expected to travel to Barcelona in the coming days and could be presented before Wednesday's Joan Gamper Trophy match.

Sports.ndtv.com reports that City manager Enzo Maresca said "anything can happen" amid the interest, but did not confirm a deal. City had rejected an opening bid of £38.5 million ($52 million) and were reported to want about £68 million for Rodri. Maresca said City still have work to do in the transfer window, but added that he gave Rodri a "big hug" on Friday and "he looks good".

Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, winning four Premier League titles, the 2023 Champions League, Euro 2024, the 2024 Ballon d'Or, and captaining Spain to the 2026 World Cup where he was named best player. His return to Spain follows a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the 2024-25 campaign. Barcelona's interest developed after Frenkie de Jong suffered a long-term injury.