Barcelona have reached an agreement to bring Spain captain Rodri back to La Liga after securing a deal worth around £65m with Manchester City.

The midfielder is expected to sign a four-year contract with the Catalan club, with the transfer likely to be formally completed within the coming days. Barcelona moved decisively after City turned down their initial £38.5m proposal last week.

Rodri, 30, joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club-record £62.8m fee. During seven seasons in England, he established himself as one of the world’s leading defensive midfielders, making 298 appearances and collecting 12 major trophies.

His honours with City include four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League.

Although injuries interrupted his recent campaigns, he returned strongly at this summer’s World Cup, helping Spain secure the trophy and earning the tournament’s best-player award.

The move also ends speculation that Rodri could join Real Madrid. Instead, Barcelona have won the race for his signature and are adding an experienced leader to their midfield.

For City, the departure creates a significant gap. The club are considering several options, including Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.

City have also maintained an interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Rodri’s arrival gives Barcelona a proven winner, elite passer and commanding presence as they prepare for another demanding season and strengthen ambitions at home and abroad.