“The Yellow Submarine” gets a surprising cash injection after Barca transfer
Rodri Hernández continues to generate revenue for Villarreal – long after he left the club. The transfer from Manchester City to FC Barcelona now sends new millions to the Castellon club, thanks to FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.
Villarreal is entitled to 2.5 percent of the transfer fee through the mechanism that rewards clubs that have helped develop players between the ages of 12 and 23. If the deal reaches the maximum price of €75 million, Villarreal could be left with a whopping €1.875 million.
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Five seasons – five percentage points
Rodri joined Villarreal as a 17-year-old in 2013, after leaving Atlético Madrid’s youth system. He remained in the yellow jersey until 2018 – five seasons that give 0.5 percent per season through the solidarity mechanism.
Now, eight years after leaving the club, Villarreal are once again reaping the rewards of the effort they put into the development of the midfield star.
Previous transfers have already yielded millions
This is not the first time Rodri has filled Villarreal’s coffers. When Atlético Madrid brought him back in 2018 for €20 million (plus €5 million in bonuses), Villarreal secured a 10 percent profit clause on a future sale.
When Manchester City bought Rodri for €70 million just one year later, Villarreal was left with €5 million from the profit – in addition to €1.75 million through the solidarity mechanism.
In total, the Manchester City deal has already contributed over €6.75 million to Villarreal’s revenue – despite the fact that Rodri had already been away for a year.
New millions on the way
Now, another €1.875 million could be on its way to the Castellon club, if the Barca deal reaches €75 million.
Rodri arrived in Barcelona on August 17 and will sign a contract that lasts until 2030. While Barcelona fans are excited about their new midfield general, Villarreal can once again thank their former great talent for a solid cash gift.
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