Manchester City have accepted a £65.4m bid from Barcelona for Spain captain Rodri, with the World Cup winner set to return to his homeland.
Key facts
- Manchester City accepted a £65.4m bid from Barcelona for Rodri.
- Rodri, 30, is a World Cup winner and Spain captain.
- The midfielder had entered the final year of his City contract.
- City are closing in on a deal to sign Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi as a replacement.
- Rodri arrived in Barcelona ahead of completing the move, describing it as 'a dream'.
Manchester City have accepted a £65.4m bid from Barcelona for their star midfielder Rodri, according to Sky Sports, with the deal paving the way for the Spain captain’s return to his homeland.
The 30-year-old, a World Cup winner and former Ballon d’Or holder, had entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. According to the Guardian, Rodri made it clear he would like the opportunity to move to Barcelona.
The Guardian reported that City were reluctant sellers but had little choice with the Spanish international out of contract next summer. The fee agreed between the two clubs stands at £65.4m, as confirmed by Sky Sports.
Sky Sports reported that Rodri arrived in Barcelona ahead of the move, which was described as ‘a dream’. Al Jazeera noted that Spain’s World Cup-winning captain is returning to his homeland after City agreed the transfer.
With Rodri departing, the Guardian reported that City manager Maresca is chasing Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as a replacement, and that the club are closing in on a deal for the player.
The BBC also reported that Barcelona had agreed a deal to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City.
Why it matters
Rodri has been one of the most influential midfielders in world football, and his departure marks a significant change for Manchester City. The move also strengthens Barcelona with a World Cup-winning captain returning to Spanish football.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Barcelona pay for Rodri?
Manchester City accepted a bid of £65.4m from Barcelona for Rodri, according to Sky Sports and the Guardian.
Why did Manchester City agree to sell Rodri?
According to the Guardian, City were reluctant sellers but had little choice as Rodri had entered the final year of his contract and would have been out of contract next summer. Rodri had also made clear he wanted the move to Barcelona.
Who could replace Rodri at Manchester City?
The Guardian reported that manager Maresca is chasing Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi as a replacement, with City closing in on a deal.