Barcelona are so strong that it almost feels like cheating when they now sign Rodri from Manchester United. – With two straight La Liga golds and a good look at the talent at Camp Nou, they are the clear favourites for a new La Liga title.
The problem is the Champions League, which is clearly tougher. – Like last season, it is between four teams. Bayern Munich who top with Harry Kane, Paris Saint-Germain who have the world’s best manager and are in the flow zone with two championships in a row and Arsenal who have captain Martin Ødegaard to lead them on. Norwegian national team manager Ståle Solbakken believes that Ødegaard is better than ever because of all the love he has received from Norway (and large parts of the world) and Barcelona, who have now signed a Ballon d’Or winner.
Read: Todd Boehly in talks to sell out of Chelsea
Rodri breaks his silence after arriving in Barcelona
“We’re going for the Champions League,” says the Spaniard – ready to replace de Jong
Rodri is in Barcelona. The 30-year-old arrived in the Catalan capital on Monday to complete his transfer from Manchester City – and even before his contract is signed, he has sent a clear message about what lies ahead.
The 76.5 million euro transfer is as good as in the box. Now only the formal signings of a four-year contract remain, but the 2026 World Cup winner is already in full swing setting goals for the season.
“We’re going for the Champions League”
After landing in Barcelona to undergo the medical tests, Rodri took the leaf from his mouth and spoke straight from the liver to the journalists present:
“I’m looking forward to starting to work with my teammates and to give my best to win everything. We go for the Champions League – and for every single trophy.
Ambitious words from a player who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024 and was named the World Cup tournament’s best player in 2026. Now he will bring that will to win to a Barcelona club that needs a leader in midfield after Frenkie de Jong is out with injury.
The transition in numbers
The transfer became a reality after Barcelona and Manchester City agreed on a package worth €76.5 million (£65.3 million). The deal is structured with an initial payment of €60 million, plus an additional €16.5 million in easily achievable bonuses.
With that, Rodri ends an eight-year chapter in Manchester – where he played 298 games, scored 28 goals and provided 32 assists since joining from Atlético Madrid in 2019 for €70 million.
What now for Rodri?
On Tuesday morning, August 18, Rodri will visit Barcelona’s medical center for the mandatory physical tests. As soon as they are approved, the club signs the contract with the player – and plans his first training session under Hansi Flick.
Then an official presentation awaits in front of Barcelona’s supporters. One thing is for sure: Rodri is ready to lead Barcelona into a new era – and he has already set his course for the Champions League.
Manchester United in talks with their captain – after an insane 216 million salary offer
