Rodri is leaving Man City for Barcelona after seven seasons

[Scott98]

Manchester City have accepted a 65.4 million pound bid from Barcelona for Rodri, ending the World Cup winning midfielder and former Ballon d'Or holder's seven year spell at the club. The 30 year old had one year left on his contract, and while City wanted him to sign an extension and stay, Barcelona's third bid finally proved too good to turn down after two earlier offers of around 40 million and 55 million were both rejected. Rodri has agreed a four year deal with Barcelona.

Rodri missed City's 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal after only returning to training on the Friday before, following minor back surgery post World Cup. City boss Enzo Maresca said simply that all teams need a player like Rodri when asked about him afterward, which reads a bit different now knowing the transfer was already close to done.

City have already been busy reshaping their midfield this summer, breaking the British transfer record to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for 116 million pounds, and they remain interested in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi. City actually missed Chelsea's own self imposed Friday 5pm deadline to bid 120 million for Fernandez, though Sky Sports reports City may still try again now that Rodri's exit is confirmed, since the Rodri sale could help fund exactly that kind of move.

Adding to the midfield reshuffle, City have also agreed to sell Tijjani Reijnders. Who only joined from AC Milan last summer, to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah for around 51 million pounds, with Reijnders reportedly the one pushing for the move himself.

Maresca has been vocal about wanting any new midfield additions in place quickly given the Premier League season starts in a week. Saying it's better for any new signing to start working with the squad as soon as possible so they understand how City want to play

Rodri transfer news: Man City accept bid from Barcelona for World Cup-winning midfielder and former Ballon d'Or holderwww.skysports.com