Barcelona Secures Rodri from Manchester City for £65 Million

Barcelona has finalized a major deal to bring Rodri from Manchester City, agreeing on a £65 million fee. The midfielder is set to sign a four-year contract with the Spanish giants, with the transfer expected to close within days.

Rodri ends a remarkable seven-year period at Manchester City, where he joined from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £62.8 million. Over his tenure, he collected 12 major trophies including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and a Champions League win. Despite missing much of last season due to a severe knee injury, Rodri made a strong comeback to captain Spain to World Cup success this summer.

Manchester City Eyes Enzo Fernandez as Replacement

Following Rodri's departure, Manchester City aims to sign Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea as his replacement. Chelsea has set a hefty price tag of £120 million for the midfielder and gave interested clubs until Friday to submit bids. No official offers arrived by the deadline, meaning Chelsea hopes to keep their vice-captain for now.

Despite this, Manchester City believes talks could continue since Chelsea may be open to negotiations. Matching the £120 million fee would place the deal among football’s most expensive transfers. City’s leadership is carefully considering their options while reshaping their midfield.

Manager Enzo Maresca Plans Tactical Moves

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca admires Fernandez greatly, having managed him at Chelsea. During his time at Stamford Bridge, Maresca named Fernandez captain when Reece James was injured and selected him in 79 of 92 games. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, Maresca pushed Fernandez forward last season to cover for Cole Palmer’s absence, leading to Fernandez’s personal best of 15 goals.

With Elliot Anderson joining from Nottingham Forest this summer, Maresca gains tactical flexibility, possibly pairing Anderson and Fernandez in the starting lineup.

Looking Ahead for Both Clubs

Barcelona will focus on unveiling Rodri officially as they prepare for the new season. Meanwhile, Manchester City must decide soon whether to launch a formal bid for Fernandez or look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. Chelsea’s stance on the £120 million valuation remains uncertain, with a potential compromise still possible.

• Club: Barcelona vs Al Ahly SCAHL
• Date: 19 Aug 2026
• Time: 20:00
• Competition: Club Friendlies

• Club: Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth
• Date: 23 Aug 2026
• Time: 15:00
• Competition: Premier League