BARCELONA.- He FC Barcelona reached an agreement with the Manchester City to sign the Spanish midfielder Rodri, A source from the Catalan club informed AFP this Sunday.
The 30-year-old midfielder, Ballon d’Or in 2024 and captain of Spain in the recent conquest of World Cup 2026will join the current Spanish champion for around 75 million euros ($87 million), according to the Catalan press.
“There will be a statement in the coming days and (the transfer) will become official,” said the Barça source.
Since the victory of Spain in North AmericaRodri was linked with a possible signing for the real Madridbut FC Barcelona launched itself to attract a key player in City’s triumphs since his arrival in 2019.
The midfielder has suffered physical problems since his serious knee injury in 2024, but during the World Cup he recovered to his best version to guide La Roja towards its second star.
The Dutch midfielder’s injury Frenkie de Jongwho could be out for several months, further encouraged Barça to bet on the signing of Rodri.
The first two offers for the player were rejected from Manchester, but both clubs reached an agreement on Sunday.
Barça thus ties up another footballer after the signings already completed of the Englishman Anthony Gordonthe German Karim Adeyemi and the belgian Jesse Bisiwu.
Under the orders of Pep GuardiolaRodri became a cornerstone of Manchester City’s success, culminating in the long-awaited first European Champions League of the club in 2023.
In addition, he achieved four titles of Premier League among his 23 trophies as a citizen player.
Arsenal takes the “Community Shield”
First official match and first exhibition: the Arsenal opened the English season with a title, the “Community Shield”by beating the new team 3-0 Manchester City of Enzo Maresca this sunday in Cardiff.
The pulse between the champions of the last Premier League and FA Cupthe two main national tournaments of England, It had less history than expected and Arsenal only needed 23 seconds to take the lead on the scoreboard.
The Italian Riccardo Calafiori opened the account in Super Cup English thanks to a pass Myles Lewis-Skelly who left him hand in hand with his compatriot Gianluigi Donnarummawhom he did not forgive.
The match was later settled largely by the contribution of one of the new faces of the team, the Greek Christos Tzolisauthor of two decisive assists.
First in the 28th minute, so that the German Kai Havertz pushed at the goal mouth, and then for the Norwegian Martin Odegaard (48′) will be ahead of Josko Gvardiol and beat the Citizens’ Italian goalkeeper.
