Rodri joins Barcelona for €70m and targets Champions League immediately

Rodri will join FC Barcelona from Manchester City for approximately €70 million, with the Spanish midfielder undergoing his medical examination on Tuesday morning ahead of the imminent official announcement of the transfer.

Hardly landed at Barcelona airport on Monday, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner presented himself in front of the cameras to deliver his first impressions. “I’m very happy to have arrived. These last few days have been intense, but I’m pleased that everything is settled,” he declared. “Of course, playing for FC Barcelona is a dream. I can’t wait to be with my teammates, many of whom I already know from the national team.”

The reigning world champion did not hide his collective ambitions: “We will target the Champions League and all the titles that come our way.” Words that stand out from the usual caution of new recruits, but his trophy cabinet makes them credible.

At 30 years old, Rodri has already won the World Cup, the Euros, the Nations League, the Champions League, four Premier League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and a Club World Cup. Seven seasons wearing the Manchester City shirt allowed him to establish himself as one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.

His arrival at Barcelona represents a major reinforcement for a club seeking to return to the European summit. The official announcement of the transfer is expected in the coming hours.