Rodri to Barcelona Transfer Confirmed in Latest Rumors as World Cup Star Leaves Manchester City

Manchester City, fresh off a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, reportedly finalized Rodri’s long-rumored transfer to Barcelona on Sunday, per The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Catalan giants also reportedly reached an agreement with defender João Cancelo, continuing a busy summer that included the additions of wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi and the sale of striker Ferran Torres.

Rodri didn’t feature for Manchester City during the Community Shield and reportedly didn’t even travel with the club for the fixture, presumably due to his pending move to Barcelona.

The 30-year-old midfielder had quite the run for Manchester City across seven seasons, winning four Premier League titles, one Champions League title, two FA Cup conquests and the Ballon d’Or award in 2024.

He also won the World Cup with Spain this summer and was named the Golden Ball winner.

There were rumors that Real Madrid were hot in pursuit for him before Barcelona intervened, which should only add more fuel to the fire of Spain’s biggest rivalry. Los Blancos did add Rodri’s former Man City teammate, Bernardo Silva, this summer, though he plays further up the pitch. Rodri is more of a defensive midfielder, leaving Real Madrid still in search of a midfield anchor.

As for Rodri, he’ll now link up with a large number of Spain’s World Cup-winning side, including Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Pedri and Lamine Yamal.

Manchester City, seemingly in preparation for Rodri’s departure, signed midfielder Elliot Anderson earlier in the summer and have been linked to Ayyoub Bouaddi and Fernández, though they reportedly missed Chelsea’s deadline for the latter player.

The club is preparing for life without legendary manager Pep Guardiola, who left following the 2025-26 season. He was replaced by Enzo Maresca.