Rodri Completes Medical as Barcelona Wait for Paperwork from Manchester City
Rodri is now much closer to wearing a Barcelona shirt than remaining in Manchester, but officially he still cannot be described as the club’s latest signing. The Spain midfielder has undergone his medical and his presentation has already been planned. The remaining obstacle is the paperwork from Manchester City.
The midfielder landed in Barcelona at around 8pm on Monday. He later had dinner with Joan Laporta and Deco before reporting to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper early on Tuesday morning. Rodri and João Cancelo underwent their medical examinations at the training complex.
Barcelona had initially considered holding the tests at Hospital de Barcelona, but the process was ultimately simplified. Both players had recently undergone extensive examinations with their respective clubs, Manchester City and Al-Hilal.
The club’s original schedule appeared straightforward. Rodri was expected to sign his contract privately in Laporta’s office at 1pm and speak to the media later in the afternoon. Everything looked perfect on paper. Unfortunately for Barcelona, the paper itself had not yet arrived.
According to AS, the schedule depends on the completion of the formalities with Manchester City and the delivery of the necessary documents. If the procedure cannot be completed on Tuesday, Rodri’s presentation will be moved to Wednesday. He would then be introduced to the supporters before the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly at Spotify Camp Nou.
The 30-year-old will not play in the match, although he is expected to take part in the official squad presentation. He recently underwent minor back surgery, meaning his return to full training will be handled carefully.
British media have reported that Manchester City accepted Barcelona’s third offer, worth £65.4 million, and that Rodri has agreed a four-year contract. After arriving in Catalonia, the midfielder described playing for Barcelona as a dream. However, the precise terms of the operation remain media reports until both clubs publish their official statements.
There is currently no indication that the agreement is in danger. All that remains is the paperwork. When Barcelona are involved, however, the words “all that remains” should still be used with a certain amount of caution.
