After tense negotiations, FC Barcelona finally made a breakthrough in their efforts to sign Rodri from Manchester City over the weekend.
The two clubs reached an agreement in principle over a deal for the 30-year-old midfielder, worth €76.5 million, of which €60 million is a fixed component and the rest of it is add-ons.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup winner has been given the green light by Manchester City to travel to the Catalan capital and complete the remaining formalities before an official announcement is made.
Medicals tomorrow
However, there has been a slight change of plans with regard to Rodri’s plans for his medical before the transfer to Barcelona is completed.
Indeed, according to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, the Spain captain will now undergo his medicals in Catalonia tomorrow morning, i.e., Tuesday (18 August).
Rodri will arrive in Barcelona today. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The plan before this change was for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to be done with his medicals in England today itself before leaving for Barcelona.
However, those plans were altered after the Blaugrana found a flight for him to travel to the Catalan capital today itself.
It is expected that Rodri will arrive in Barcelona sometime later this evening, and as such, the medical procedure will take place on Tuesday morning.
Following that, he will proceed to sign his contract and the transfer will be announced officially.
A clutch signing
A top player joins Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
In Rodri, Barcelona are getting one of the best midfielders in the world, who is just coming in after a spectacular World Cup campaign, where he led Spain to the title and won the Golden Ball.
At 30 years old, he might not be a long-term bet, but the value he brings to the table, with his experience, leadership, and winning mentality, apart from the obvious quality on the pitch, will make him an excellent addition for Hansi Flick’s team.
It remains to be seen if Rodri will be able to take part in the club’s final pre-season game when they take on Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy match on 19 August.