Spain’s midfielder #16 Rodri kisses the Golden Ball Award during the award ceremony of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Spain midfield talisman Rodri has authorised Barcelona to start talks with Manchester City for a potential transfer, a source from the reigning La Liga champions told AFP on Thursday.
“Today Barcelona is closer to being able to consider this transfer than yesterday. We have now secured the player’s agreement to open negotiations with Manchester City,” the source said, confirming Spanish press reports.
Barcelona’s move could hijack eternal rivals Real Madrid’s reported interest in the 30-year-old as Los Blancos seek to strengthen their midfield under new manager Jose Mourinho.
However, Rodri’s green light for the talks offers “no guarantee” about a transfer to Barcelona, the club source added.
