Barça-City verbal pact sets Rodri on Barcelona’s path

Rodri Hernández, 30, will leave Manchester City after the Barça‑City verbal pact was confirmed, with the announcement Actualizado on 16/08/2026 at 21:04 CEST. The midfielder is set to sign a four‑season contract and could be presented within days.

Verbal agreement reached

The two clubs have reached a verbal agreement, but the exchange of contracts must still be formalised in writing. The report, captioned Manchester CityGetty ImagesFernando PoloSubdirector - Barcelona, confirms the deal is pending paperwork. Barça and City are now working to finalise the terms.

Four‑year deal pending

Rodri will sign for four seasons, securing his future at Barcelona. The contract length was disclosed in the same update that mentioned the CEST timestamp. The club expects the midfielder to join training immediately after the paperwork is completed.

Rodri’s return timeline

Barcelona hopes to present the player on Wednesday at the Spotify Camp Nou, where the club will face Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy. El Barça aims to have him ready for the league debut on Sunday against Elche. De final steps involve the signing of the official documents.

Rodri spent seven years under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City after leaving Atlético de Madrid seven years earlier. His experience includes a World Cup 2026 Ballon d’Or, making him a marquee signing for the club.

This is the fourth signing of the 2026‑27 season, following Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Jesse Bisiwu. Joao Cancelo will also join as a free agent after departing Al Hilal, adding further depth to the squad.

The arrival of Rodri Hernández bolsters a midfield already featuring Pedri, Gavi, Olmo, Fermín, Bernal and the injured De Jong, reinforcing Barcelona’s ambition to dominate LaLiga.