Rodri set to complete Barcelona return for €65.4m

Manchester City have accepted Barcelona's offer of £65.4 million for Rodri, according to The Guardian. The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder, a World Cup winner, will return to the club that developed him after seven seasons in English football.

Rodri had made clear his wish to return to Spain and was entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad. Though City were reluctant to part with their star, the player's determination and the expiry of his deal forced their hand. The club rejected earlier bids of around €60 million and €45 million, but have now accepted this latest proposal.

Seven seasons at Manchester

The Madrid-born midfielder has won four Premier League titles in City's colours, plus the 2023 Champions League against Inter, where he scored the final's only goal. He also claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or, though his last campaign was hampered by injury: a serious ACL problem and muscular issues limited his appearances.

City's midfield reshuffle

With Rodri and Bernardo Silva departing, Manchester City are reshaping their engine room. They have already spent £116 million on Elliot Anderson and are advancing in the signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, the young Moroccan talent from Lille, whom they want available for this season.