Barcelona’s £64.5 million gamble on Rodri after third offer breakthrough

Barcelona are finalising the transfer of 30‑year‑old Spanish midfielder Rodri from Manchester City, with a fee reported at £64.5 million and a four‑year contract running to 2030, after a breakthrough in talks this weekend. The Spanish champions made a third offer this weekend and expect to unveil him at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.

The transfer news was reported by Simon Jones and Jack Gaughan. It was published at 19:53 on 16 August 2026 and updated at 20:27 the same day.

Barcelona have pursued the midfielder aggressively, submitting a third offer this weekend after earlier bids fell short of Manchester City’s £68 million demand. The club’s valuation has now risen to match the English side’s expectations, bringing the fee to around £64.5 million. Reports also cite a £65.4 million figure for the deal, indicating the negotiations have edged close to Manchester City’s valuation.

Rodri, 30, had already informed Real Madrid two weeks ago that he would not join them, confirming his commitment to Barcelona. His decision came after a breakthrough in negotiations, with both clubs agreeing in principle to the transfer.

Barcelona splurge £65m on Rodri to chase Champions League glory

Manchester City’s midfield plans

Manchester City remain active in the market, indicating they will continue to target Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi despite securing Rodri’s departure. The English club also expressed interest in adding another midfielder to replace the departing Spanish star.

Rodri returned to Manchester from his World Cup break on Thursday, travelling on a Ryanair flight from Madrid to Liverpool. He was absent from Manchester City’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal later that day, having celebrated his World Cup triumph before boarding the flight.

Long‑term deal for Barcelona

The agreement includes a four‑year contract that binds Rodri to Barcelona until 2030. The length of the deal reflects the club’s intention to build a core around the midfielder for the coming seasons.

Valdano says Barcelona gains €35 m, Real loses €40 m with Rodri move

Barcelona sources expect to unveil the new signing at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, allowing fans to see him for the first time in the Blaugrana shirt. The club hopes the presentation will signal their renewed ambition ahead of the new campaign.