Barcelona have moved closer to securing one of the most significant transfers of the summer after reaching a verbal agreement on personal terms with Manchester City midfielder Rodri, according to reports from Sports.
Barcelona one step away from signing Rodri after agreeing personal terms
The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner has reportedly accepted a four-year contract worth more than €10 million net per season, with some sources suggesting the figure could approach €15 million annually.
The deal would place him on similar financial footing to his current arrangement at the Etihad Stadium.
However, Barcelona still face a considerable obstacle in negotiating with Manchester City, who have already rejected an opening bid of €45 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
English media have widely dismissed the proposal as inadequate, while Catalan outlets suggest a fee in the region of €65 million could prove sufficient.
City are understood to be holding out for €80 million for the Spanish international.
The player’s desire to join Barcelona represents a significant advantage for the Catalans.
With only one year remaining on his current contract, City face a difficult decision regarding a midfielder who has made clear his preference for a move to the Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s urgency to complete the deal has intensified following Frenkie de Jong’s injury, which has exposed a gap in their midfield options.
Rodri’s arrival would address this need while simultaneously delivering a statement signing that transcends mere squad building.
Beyond his Ballon d’Or credentials, the World Cup winner embodies the possession-based philosophy that has defined Barcelona’s identity throughout their history.
His capture would also represent a symbolic victory over rivals Real Madrid, who reportedly made concerted efforts to sign the midfielder themselves.
The prestige of bringing Spain’s World Cup hero to Catalonia has generated considerable excitement among the Barcelona faithful, even if the financial negotiations with Manchester City remain the critical hurdle to overcome.
For now, Barcelona find themselves tantalisingly close to completing what would be their marquee signing of the summer, with personal terms agreed and the player’s commitment secured. The one missing step, however, remains a monumental one.
