FC Barcelona Reaches Preliminary Agreement with Manchester City for Rodri Transfer

FC Barcelona and Manchester City have reportedly agreed in principle to the transfer of midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri. This deal positions the Spanish international to become a new player for the Catalan club, according to information from EFE.

Barcelona is said to be preparing a four-year contract for Rodri, extending until June 2030. The club anticipates making the operation official next week, pending the completion of necessary documentation. Reports suggest Barcelona will pay approximately 65 million euros, with an additional five million in potential variables. Manchester City had previously rejected earlier offers in the range of 50 to 60 million euros.

Rodri's future was initially linked with Real Madrid, but he reportedly gave Barcelona the green light to negotiate with Manchester City in early August. This move comes despite Barcelona's initial priority under coach Hansi Flick being to strengthen the attack. Rodri, 30, a World Cup winner with Spain and the tournament's best player, was in the final year of his contract with Manchester City.

Rodri was unavailable for Manchester City's Community Shield match against Arsenal, which they lost 3-0. He is currently recovering from back surgery performed after his World Cup participation. Meanwhile, Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Enzo Fernández from Chelsea and has initiated contact with the Argentine midfielder's representatives as Rodri's move to Barcelona progresses.