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Barcelona confirmed the acquisition of 30-year-old midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez, known as Rodri, from Manchester City after the clubs reached agreement on the transfer, according to a statement carried by the Qatar News Agency. The Qatar News Agency reported that the Spain international signed a deal keeping him at the club until July 2030, describing the move as a significant reinforcement for the La Liga champions. Rodri returns to Spain after seven seasons in England, where he developed into one of Europe’s most influential defensive midfielders under Pep Guardiola.
The Qatar News Agency noted that Rodri captained Spain to glory at the 2024 UEFA European Championship before leading the team to the 2026 World Cup title. He earned the 2024 Ballon d’Or after spearheading Manchester City’s triumphs in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup that same year. Those accomplishments cemented his reputation as a leader capable of delivering at the highest levels of both club and international football.
Rodri claimed 13 major titles during his Manchester City career after joining from Villarreal in 2019, the Qatar News Agency reported. Transfermarkt data shows he made 196 appearances for the Premier League side, scoring 23 goals while anchoring the midfield through multiple title-winning campaigns. His consistent performances proved central to the club’s sustained success across domestic and continental competitions.
The Associated Press reported that Manchester City and Barcelona agreed on a fee of 76.5 million euros for the player. Reports from AS indicated that Rodri had turned down interest from Real Madrid, preferring a return to Barcelona where he would link up with several members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad. The midfielder told reporters it was a dream to play for the Catalan club as he completed his medical and finalised personal terms.
The Qatar News Agency stated that Rodri is expected to make his La Liga debut next week when Barcelona face Elche in the second round of the competition. That fixture will provide an early platform for the Ballon d’Or winner to adapt to his new environment under the Barcelona coaching staff. Supporters anticipate his presence will add both steel and creativity to the midfield as the team pursues further silverware.
Prior to his move to Manchester City, Rodri built his reputation through spells at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, according to career records compiled by Transfermarkt. Those early experiences in Spanish football laid the foundation for his later international breakthroughs with Spain. The signing reflects Barcelona’s strategy to blend proven winners with the club’s existing core of talent ahead of the new season.
