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Rodri Joins Barcelona in Record Transfer After World Cup Triumph
🇵🇦 Panama /Sports

Rodri Joins Barcelona in Record Transfer After World Cup Triumph

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • FC Barcelona has officially signed Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, a 30-year-old midfielder who recently won the 2026 World Cup with Spain.
  • Rodri joins Barcelona from Manchester City on a contract until June 30, 2030, with the transfer fee reportedly reaching €76.5 million ($88.5 million) including bonuses.
  • He expressed excitement about joining the ambitious Catalan club, aiming to win major titles like the Champions League and contribute to the team's objectives.

FC Barcelona has officially announced the signing of Rodrigo Hernández, widely known as Rodri, a pivotal midfielder who recently captained Spain to victory in the 2026 World Cup. The 30-year-old joins the Catalan club from Manchester City, signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2030.

I am very happy and content with this new stage in my career. A new illusion, a way to feel new things again, to get excited

— RodriRodri shared his feelings about joining Barcelona with the club's official media.

The transfer, which had been anticipated for days, saw Rodri arrive in Barcelona expressing that joining the club was "a dream come true." He joins a Barcelona squad that includes several fellow 2026 World Cup winners, such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Pau Cubarsí, all part of Luis de la Fuente's triumphant Spanish national team. However, he will not be reunited with Ferran Torres, who recently moved to Paris Saint-Germain.

Rodri stated his ambition to "aspire to everything, to great things like the Champions League" with Barcelona, emphasizing the club's ambitious nature aligns with his personality. He aims to contribute significantly to achieving the team's goals for the season. The transfer fee is reported to be around €76.5 million ($88.5 million), including bonuses, according to an official source from Manchester City.

I come to aspire to everything, to great things like the Champions League (...) I arrive at a super ambitious club, which goes very much with my personality, so I will try to help in everything I can to achieve the objectives of this season

— RodriThe midfielder outlined his ambitions and expectations at his new club.

This move marks Rodri's return to Spanish football after a successful tenure in England. He previously played for Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal before his move to Manchester City. His impressive trophy cabinet includes the UEFA Nations League in 2023, the Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup with Spain, alongside club successes with Manchester City. Rodri also mentioned that he is familiar with the Barcelona locker room, which he expects will aid his integration, humorously noting his main concern is enduring the "jokes" during his first few days.

I arrive at a locker room that I know perfectly, so it will help me in the integration. What worries me are the jokes of the first days

— RodriRodri commented on his integration into the team and joked about the initial challenges.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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