Atletico Madrid and Villarreal Poised for Big Payout as Barcelona Nears Rodri Transfer from Manchester City
Barcelona are closing in on a major transfer deal with Manchester City for midfielder Rodri, worth around €75 million. This move will also bring significant financial rewards to Atletico Madrid and Villarreal through FIFA's solidarity payments.
Barcelona and Manchester City Reach Agreement
The Spanish international, aged 30, is set to join Barcelona in a high-value summer transfer. The deal reportedly includes a €65 million (£55m) fixed fee plus up to €10 million (£8.5m) in performance bonuses.
Besides Manchester City, previous clubs will benefit thanks to FIFA's solidarity mechanism, which allocates a share of transfer fees to teams involved in a player's development between ages 12 and 23.
Atletico Madrid Set for Solidarity Payment
Atletico Madrid, where Rodri spent seven formative years before leaving at 17, is guaranteed at least €1.6 million (£1.3m) from the initial fee. This amount could rise to €2 million (£1.7m) if all contract conditions are met, according to Mundo Deportivo. Rodri’s first youth club, Rayo Majadahonda, won’t receive any payment since he left their ranks before turning 12.
Villarreal Also Benefits from Transfer
Villarreal will claim a notable share of the solidarity payout. The club developed Rodri over five seasons, including time in both their youth and senior squads. After returning to Atletico Madrid in 2018 from Villarreal, Rodri moved to Manchester City a year later in a lucrative transfer. Now, with his impending move to Barcelona, Villarreal stands to gain unexpectedly.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
Details of Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona are being finalized, with an official announcement expected soon. Head coach Hansi Flick is keen to add the experienced midfielder to his squad for the challenging season ahead.
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal will look forward to receiving their payments, which will aid their own summer transfer activities before the window closes.
