Manchester City have accepted a £65.4m bid from Barcelona for Rodri, ending the Spain international's seven-year stay at the Etihad. The 30-year-old World Cup winner and former Ballon d'Or holder, who helped City to four Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph, will now complete his transfer to the Catalan giants after agreeing a four-year deal.

Barcelona's third offer proved too good to refuse despite City's desire for Rodri to extend his contract, which had one year remaining. The midfielder had previously undergone minor back surgery following the World Cup.

City boss Enzo Maresca praised Rodri's importance, stating "All teams need a player like Rodri" after Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, which the midfielder missed due to his recovery.

The sale could potentially fund moves for Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, though City missed Chelsea's Friday deadline for a £120m bid. Sky Sports News' Alan Irwin noted that any Fernandez move depends on Rodbi's departure. Ben Ransom highlighted the "huge hole" Rodri's exit leaves, particularly in midfield control, referencing his crucial role in City's 2022/23 treble-winning campaign.