Barcelona agree €76.5m deal to sign Rodri from Man City

Manchester City have accepted a £65.4 million (€76.5 million) bid from Barcelona for their star midfielder Rodri.

Rodri, who helped City to four Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph, will now head to Barcelona to complete his transfer after seven seasons in Manchester.

The 30-year-old midfielder had one year left on his contract and while City wanted him to stay and sign an extension, Barcelona’s third offer proved to be too good to turn down.

The Spain World Cup winner and former Ballon d’Or holder has agreed a four-year deal with Barcelona.

Last week, Barcelona had an initial offer in the region of £40 million knocked back, returning with a £55 million, bid which was also rejected.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “EXCLUSIVE: RODRI TO BARCELONA, HERE WE GO! 💥

“Deal agreed for Spanish midfielder to join Barça from Man City, all done for the former Ballon d’Or.

“Green light from Man City to last Barcelona bid.”

Arsenal thrash Manchester City to win Community Shield

City boss Enzo Maresca said “all teams need a player like Rodri” when asked about the player after the 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, which Rodri missed after only returning to the club’s training ground on Friday, following minor surgery on his back after the World Cup.

Central midfield is in focus this summer at City. They broke the British transfer record to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million.

Meanwhile, City have agreed a deal to sell Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah. The fee is around £51 million.

Reijnders, who joined City from AC Milan last summer, wants to move and now looks set for the Saudi Pro League.