Atletico Madrid have announced that Manchester City have paid defensive midfielder Rodri’s buyout clause of £62.8 million.
The La Liga club have confirmed that Manhcester City paid Rodri’s buyout clause at the club’s headquarters. Rodri who had a contract at Atletico Madrid till 2023, has terminated it.
Rodri played in Atletico’s youth team from 2007-2013 before joining Villarreal’s youth team. He joined Villarreal’s senior team in 2015 and played there till 2018, making 84 appearances with 2 goals and 6 assists to his name.
Rodri returned to Atletico Madrid last summer on a transfer fee of €20 million plus €5 million in variables. He made 47 appearances for Atleti last season, scoring 3 goals and providing an assist against Sevilla as Los Colchoneros were the La Liga runners-up and won the UEFA Super Cup.
The 22-year old also has 7 national team appearances to his name. Rodri made his debut for Spain in a friendly against Germany at Dusseldorf.
Rodri is one of the many Atletico Madrid who have left the club this summer. This list includes Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez and Felipe Luis.
Rodri will be Manchester City’s most expensive signing after Kevin de Bruyne. Manchester City have a world-class defensive midfielder in Fernandinho. The Brazilian has been in fine form for City but he is approaching his mid-30s. Hence, Rodri is a very suitable replacement for Fernandinho in the longer run.
It will be interesting to see who Guardiola will use as a starter come next season.
