Barcelona make Rodri their marquee signing
Barcelona have made official the signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City, adding the World Cup's best player to a squad already filled with world champions. The midfielder, who helped Spain secure its second World Cup title by beating Argentina in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, has joined international teammates such as Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri.
Al Jazeera reported that the 30-year-old's contract will run to 2030, with Barcelona understood to have agreed to a transfer worth 76.5 million euros ($88.5m). Rodri, who had one year left on his City contract, said upon arriving in Barcelona that it was "a dream to play" for the Catalan club.
"Very happy to arrive," he told reporters briefly after arriving. "For me, it's a dream to play for Barcelona. I'm excited about being with my teammates. Many of them, I already know. Now, it's time to get to work and give my best."
Real Madrid was also reportedly interested in signing Rodri at first – and the midfielder had loudly praised Barcelona's rival in the past – but Spanish media said no agreement could be reached.
A delayed debut
Barcelona will have to kick off their 2026–27 La Liga campaign without their new signing on Sunday, as Rodri has yet to train with the team since completing his transfer. The Spain international has been recovering from back surgery he underwent after the World Cup and is ruled out of Sunday's away trip to Elche.
Hansi Flick, Barcelona's manager, confirmed the plan for Rodri's integration at his pregame press conference on Saturday.
"I'm glad he's here," Flick said. "He's a fantastic player, a leader and he has a great personality. Our plan is for him to join the group on Monday."
According to Sports Illustrated, Rodri could make his highly anticipated Barcelona debut on Thursday, Aug. 27, against Athletic Club at Camp Nou, should he join the team on Monday and experience no injury setbacks. Alternatively, Flick could exercise caution and keep the midfielder out until Monday, Aug. 31, when Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano.
No excuses for World Cup stars
Rodri is not the only Barcelona player who made a deep run at the 2026 World Cup. His fellow countrymen Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Joan García and Eric García also lifted the trophy with Spain. England forward Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona this summer, helped his national team finish third at the tournament.
Ahead of the opener against Elche, Flick acknowledged the challenge of managing players who went deep in the World Cup.
"It's normal that those who played the World Cup don't play 90 minutes," Flick said. "We have to handle it. It's not easy, but there are no excuses."
João Cancelo and Karim Adeyemi, both officially registered with La Liga, are available for Sunday's league opener, as are Yamal, Pedri, Cubarsí, Olmo, Gavi, Joan García, Eric García, Gordon and Adeyemi.
A decorated career
Rodri joined Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2019, spending seven seasons with the club. He scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan and won the Ballon d'Or in 2024 after being part of Spain's European Championship-winning team. This summer, he added the World Cup's best player award to his collection.
His departure continues a significant turnover at Manchester City, with Bernardo Silva leaving for Real Madrid this off-season. Rodri did not play in City's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield due to his back surgery.
Barcelona, chasing a three-peat in La Liga, have also seen notable departures, with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres leaving the club. Torres, who scored the winning goal in extra time in the World Cup final against Argentina, has joined Paris Saint-Germain.