Barcelona complete Rodri signing as Spain star returns to LaLiga

The 30-year-old midfielder becomes a major addition for Hansi Flick, with Barcelona moving for him after his availability became clear with just one year remaining on his City deal. The Catalan club had previously seen offers of £40m and £55m rejected before an improved proposal eventually secured an agreement.

Rodri was also understood to have attracted interest from Real Madrid, but chose a return to Barcelona as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

His arrival gives Flick another experienced leader in a midfield already containing Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Fermín López and Marc Bernal. Barcelona have also been looking for greater leadership within the squad, with Flick previously stressing the importance of having players capable of directing teammates during crucial matches.

Rodri leaves Manchester City after seven highly successful seasons in England. He made 298 appearances for the club and collected 12 major trophies, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League.

His time in Manchester was interrupted by injuries during his final two seasons, but he returned to the highest level this summer, helping Spain win the World Cup and earning the Player of the Tournament award.

That followed his Euro 2024 success and the Ballon d'Or triumph that made him the first Spanish men's player to win the prestigious individual award since Luis Suárez in 1960.

Rodri's career has now come full circle after beginning in Spain with Villarreal before moving to Atlético Madrid and then joining City in 2019.

Reflecting on his departure from England, Rodri thanked City for the impact the club and Manchester had on his life.

"I am leaving the club with a huge sense of pride about what we have achieved and gratitude too for so many amazing memories," he said.

"City didn't just make me grow as a player. They made me grow as a human. I saw my brother graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I could see my girlfriend working for the NHS. Manchester shaped my whole life."

For City, Rodri's departure leaves a significant gap in midfield. Enzo Maresca's side are already looking for reinforcements after Tijjani Reijnders' expected move to Al Qadsiah, with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi among the players under consideration.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have secured one of the most decorated midfielders in world football and added another proven winner to a squad aiming to challenge for major honours in Europe.