This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
Manchester City have made a significant move in the transfer market by signing Spanish international midfielder Rodri on a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid for a club-record fee of 70 million euros (£63 million).
According to reports, the release clause in Rodri's contract had been triggered a day before the announcement, allowing Atletico Madrid to secure a considerable profit from the sale.
Atletico Madrid had signed Rodri from Villarreal for around 20 million euros last summer, and his departure will likely generate a significant profit for the Spanish club.
Rodri, 23, has been a key player for Atletico Madrid, making 47 appearances and scoring three goals. He has also been part of the team that finished above Real Madrid in second place in La Liga and won the UEFA Super Cup.
Manchester City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, has expressed his confidence in Rodri's abilities, stating that he is a 'hugely talented, young midfielder' who has all the attributes the team is looking for.
Rodri's signing is seen as a significant coup for Manchester City, who have been looking to strengthen their midfield. The club has already activated a buy-back clause to re-sign Spanish left-back Angelino from PSV Eindhoven.
