The long-running transfer saga of the summer appears to be reaching its conclusion. According to the latest updates from top transfer insiders David Ornstein, Ben Jacobs, and Matteo Moretto, Manchester City star Rodri is in the final stages of completing a blockbuster move to Barcelona.
Negotiations between Manchester City and Barcelona have accelerated rapidly, and the move is now considered a done deal that could be finalised today, August 15, Saturday. While Barcelona’s initial bids, including a lowball offer of around €45 million, were rejected by City, the clubs have now found common ground. Following a third official bid, the final package is expected to be worth around €70 million (£60m+) excluding add-ons.
🚨🗣️𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Rodri to Barcelona will be completed today, David Ornstein believes it’s a Done Deal.
🗣️ David Ornstein: “Talks with Manchester city is now in the final stage, my Intel told me that the deal will be completed today for a fee worth between €70m excluding… pic.twitter.com/7RcmijhnJg
— FullTime Report (@FullTimeX_) August 15, 2026
Barcelona are eager to wrap up the paperwork quickly. The Catalan club wants the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to officially join the squad by early next week so the board can shift their focus toward opening talks for a new striker.
Barcelona’s have made a third offer for Rodri and are optimistic of completing a deal. Package under discussion now £60m+.🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/OX1aIWogUd
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 15, 2026
Rodri’s Road to Camp Nou
Rodri’s desire to return to his homeland of Spain has been the primary driving force behind this transfer. After an incredible run with Manchester City and leading Spain to glory at both Euro 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 30-year-old defensive midfielder expressed a personal aspiration to play in La Liga once again.
Real Madrid also showed interest in the midfielder earlier this summer, but their reluctance to meet City’s valuation ultimately saw Rodri choose Camp Nou over the Bernabeu.
Rodri began his senior football career with Villarreal before spending a season at Atletico Madrid. He transferred to Manchester City in 2019, where he became a key player, winning four consecutive Premier League titles and scoring the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. On the international stage, he won the 2024 UEFA European Championship and helped Spain secure the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. His consistent success for both club and country earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
