World Cup hero’s $125m Premier League exit on eve of season
Manchester City have accepted a £65.4 million ($125 million) bid from Barcelona for their World Cup-winning Spain midfielder Rodri, British media reported.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has agreed a four-year deal with the Spanish champions, Sky Sports said, and will head to the Nou Camp to complete the transfer next week.
Spain’s Rodri is presented the FIFA World Cup. Getty
It comes a week after City knocked back a $75m offer from Barcelona.
La Liga rivals Real Madrid then entered the conversation, but it seems Barcelona have been able to get the deal done.
Rodri, 30, won 12 major honours at City including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the Champions League after 298 appearances in seven seasons at The Etihad.
Rodri, who joined City from Atletico Madrid for a then-club record £62.8 million in 2019, had one year left on his contract and City had wanted him to sign an extension.
The 30-year-old missed City’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, having only returned to the club’s training ground on Friday following minor back surgery.
New City manager Enzo Maresca was asked about the superstar’s potential departure following the game.
“Rodri is a player who just won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or,” he said.
“He’s a top player, all the teams need a Rodri, so it’s not about if we miss Rodri or not.”
The news of Rodri’s departure comes as speculation mounts about City chasing Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi. Reports claim City could lure the 18-year-old with a transfer fee around $162m.
City are also said to be keen on Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.
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