Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester City to sign Rodri, with the Spain international now closing in on a sensational return to La Liga.
The breakthrough comes after Barcelona made a series of improved offers for the midfielder.
The latest agreement is understood to be worth around €70 million, with the remaining formalities expected to be completed before the transfer becomes official.
Barcelona Finally Break City's Resistance
This transfer looked increasingly difficult just days ago.
Barcelona initially approached City with an offer worth around €45m, but the Premier League club rejected it. A second proposal of approximately €60m was also turned down as City pushed for a figure closer to their valuation.
[The Guardian +1]
Barcelona refused to walk away.
The Catalan giants continued negotiations and eventually moved towards the figure City wanted, paving the way for an agreement in principle.
According to Cadena SER, the latest understanding is for a fee of around €70m, with the clubs now working on the final documentation.
Rodri Wanted Barcelona
The player's preference has been crucial throughout the negotiations.
Rodri was reportedly keen on returning to Spain and joining Barcelona, despite interest from elsewhere, including Real Madrid earlier in the saga.
[Diario AS]
That desire has now put Barcelona on the verge of completing one of the biggest midfield signings of the summer.
For Rodri, the move represents a return to the league where he developed before establishing himself as one of the world's elite midfielders in England.
Why Barcelona Wanted Rodri
Barcelona's interest is easy to understand.
Rodri offers the positional intelligence, composure and defensive protection required to control games from midfield.
He would also bring enormous experience to a Barcelona side that already possesses technically gifted midfielders such as Pedri and Gavi.
For Hansi Flick, the addition could provide another world-class option in the centre of the pitch while giving Barcelona greater control in difficult matches.
And there is another factor: Rodri is a Ballon d'Or winner and a World Cup hero.
His arrival would represent a major statement of intent.
A Huge Blow for Manchester City
For City, meanwhile, losing Rodri would be a major setback.
He has been one of the defining players of the club's recent era, helping them dominate English football and win the Champions League.
His departure would also leave new manager Enzo Maresca with a significant hole to fill.
City have already been preparing for different possibilities in midfield, with Elliot Anderson arriving for a club-record fee and the club pursuing further reinforcements.
[Reuters]
The scale of that recruitment makes more sense if Rodri's exit is now imminent.
The Final Formalities
Despite the agreement, Rodri is not officially a Barcelona player yet.
The current reporting describes the deal as an agreement in principle, with documentation still needing to be exchanged and the final paperwork completed.
[Cadena SER +1]
That distinction matters.
Barcelona appear to have won the battle for Rodri, but the official announcement will come only once the remaining formalities are completed.
🚨 ARENA ALERT
Rodri to Barcelona is now at agreement-in-principle stage.
Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an understanding for the Spain midfielder, with the package understood to be around €70m.
The final paperwork is now being handled.
After weeks of negotiations, Rodri is closing in on a Barcelona return.
Arena Alert! 🚨🔵🔴
Fan Debate
🔥 Fire: Is Rodri Barcelona's biggest signing of the summer?
⚽ Goal: Can he become the midfield leader at Camp Nou?
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💬 Comment: Will Rodri make Barcelona favourites for the Champions League?
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