In the past day, multiple soccer media outlets and insiders have reported that Rodri is in talks over a potential move from Manchester City FC to FC Barcelona. While a deal is still far from complete, here’s what the transfer could cost Barca and how the Spanish midfielder would strengthen the team.
According to several reports, the Rodri transfer would cost Barca about $70 million. While some fans may be surprised by what appears to be a relatively modest fee for one of the world’s best midfielders, the figure makes sense given his contract situation. Rodri’s deal with Manchester City expires in 2027. The Premier League champions risk losing him for nothing if they fail to sell the player or renew his contract.
Better known as Rodri, Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante is a Ballon d’Or winner who recently added a FIFA World Cup to his résumé. His next transfer, though, is unlikely to rank among the biggest deals in soccer history. Reports suggest Barcelona are currently willing to offer around $52 million. In turn, Manchester City will likely demand a higher fee before allowing him to leave.
The coming days will tell us whether the transfer happens. The 30-year-old midfielder has been playing at Etihad Stadium since 2019.
655 – Rodri has completed 655 passes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most by a player in a single edition on record since 1966.
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— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 15, 2026
As fans saw at the World Cup, Rodri is arguably the best midfielder in the world at the moment. He’s also in the best moment of his career, following the disappointing 2024-2025 campaign disrupted by injuries. Throughout the tournament, he dictated the tempo in midfield and imposed his will on all the opponents he faced, helping Spain to capture the ultimate prize.
His stats were through the roof, breaking the record for passing accuracy. While he didn’t score or assist at the World Cup, it’s undeniable that his hard work helped Spain to win their second World Cup. On an individual level, Rodri also took home the Best Player award.
Rodri is also no stranger to Spanish soccer. He started his career in La Liga with Villarreal before signing with Atletico Madrid. Barca is doing pretty well as they captured La Liga with 94 points. At the same time, Barca might need some help in midfield if they aim to win the Champions League once more. Their latest victory in the top tournament dates back to 2015, and fans would love to see the Catalan team raise the Big Ears once more.
If the transfer happens, Rodri would reunite with several of his Spain teammates, including Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, further strengthening Barcelona’s core of international stars.