Football: FC Barcelona officially announces the arrival of Spanish World Cup winner Rodri

After several days of negotiations with Manchester City, FC Barcelona officially announced on Tuesday the signing of Spanish national team captain Rodri for four years, who won the World Cup this summer with La Roja, and is set to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024.

"Manchester City and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri. The Madrid footballer signs with the Blaugranas until June 30, 2030," Barça wrote in a statement.

The Catalan club, two-time defending Spanish champions, did not specify the amount of the operation, which Manchester City valued at 76.5 million euros, including bonuses, according to an official source from the English club speaking to AFP.

The captain of the Spanish national team, voted best player of the 2026 World Cup won with La Roja, was nevertheless announced close to joining Real Madrid just a few days ago, but was reportedly convinced by a phone call with Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.

He had stated the day before, upon his arrival in Barcelona, that he was realizing "a dream" by joining Barça, whose collective style of play he had never hidden his admiration for, despite having grown up in Madrid.

After seven seasons in England, the defensive midfielder, who previously played for Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, is therefore leaving Manchester City, where he became one of the best players in the world under Pep Guardiola, going on to win the Ballon d'Or in 2024.

The English club thanked the man who was its captain and the pillar of its golden generation, "thus bringing to an end a magnificent seven-year journey, rich in success".

"Rodri", whose full name is Rodrigo Hernandez, has won almost everything with the "Citizens", including a Champions League in 2023 and four English league titles.

The 30-year-old Spanish player, who returned to top form this summer at the North American World Cup after several successive knee injuries, had undergone "minor back surgery" at the end of July, raising doubts about his physical condition for the start of the season.

AFP