Rodri elated as he arrives in Barcelona to finalise transfer: ‘Let’s go for the Champions League’

The moment has arrived. After several days of waiting and lengthy, intense negotiations, FC Barcelona are on the verge of completing the signing of Rodri from Manchester City.

As reported by SPORT, the 30-year-old Spain captain landed just minutes ago at Barcelona’s private aviation terminal to become the club’s newest player.

The midfielder arrived with members of his closest entourage and his agent. He will sign with Barça until 2030, bringing one of the club’s most important transfer operations in recent years to its final stages.

Upon arrival, Rodri stopped to speak to reporters and said he was very happy to be arriving, adding that the negotiations had been intense but that he was delighted everything had been resolved.

“Very happy to arrive. These have been intense days, but I’m happy everything has been resolved,” he said.

Continuing, he added: “Playing for Barça is a dream for me. I’m really looking forward to meeting my teammates, many of whom I already know from the national team.

“Now it’s time to work and give my best. Let’s go for the Champions League and everything that comes our way.”

Only the final formalities remain before the transfer can be officially announced. After leaving the airport, Rodri is expected to go to his hotel before meeting Barça representatives for dinner.

Joan Laporta and Deco are expected to lead the club delegation, giving Rodri the opportunity to meet the president before his signing is officially announced.

The key day will be tomorrow. Rodri is expected to complete his medical examination first thing in the morning. Assuming everything goes smoothly, he will then complete the necessary paperwork and sign his new contract.

Rodri has arrived in Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Barça’s legal departments and lawyers are already working on the assumption that Rodri can be presented at around 1 p.m. tomorrow.

After completing his medical, signing and presentation, Rodri’s next step will be joining the team’s training sessions.

Hansi Flick will have a midfielder capable of providing control, authority, tactical intelligence and leadership to an already talented midfield.

Rodri will also appear alongside Joao Cancelo at Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy, giving him his first opportunity to connect with the Camp Nou and Barça supporters.

However, he will not make his debut against Al Ahly because he has not yet trained with the group.

Rodri underwent surgery following the World Cup for a back problem, so Barça do not want to rush his return or take unnecessary risks during his first days at the club.