This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
Manchester City has made a bold statement in the transfer market, shattering their previous record with the signing of Spanish international midfielder Rodri from Atletico Madrid. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal, with the club confirming that the transfer fee was a 70 million euro buyout clause.
Published on July 4, 2019, the deal eclipses the 60 million pounds Manchester City paid to Leicester City for Algerian international Riyad Mahrez in July last year.
Manager Pep Guardiola has been keen to strengthen his midfield, and Rodri is seen as a long-term successor to 34-year-old Brazilian Fernandinho. The defensive midfielder will wear the number 16 shirt, previously used by Argentine forward Sergio Aguero from 2011 to 2015.
“Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for,” City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said. “He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success.”
For Rodri, the move to Manchester City is a dream come true. “What City have achieved in the last two years has been amazing and I’m looking forward to being part of such a talented squad,” he said. “It’s not just the titles they have won, but the way they have managed it, playing attacking football at all times. It’s a style that excites me, as do the Club’s ambitions.”
