Overview
- Barcelona completed the surprise signing of Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City, a move unveiled Wednesday and shown at the Joan Gamper Trophy.
- Sporting director Deco said Rodri was not an original plan and denied the signing was intended to block Real Madrid, describing the transfer as an opportunistic upgrade.
- Deco and coach Hansi Flick both confirmed the club remains actively seeking a centre‑forward to replace Robert Lewandowski and said they trust the sporting team to deliver one.
- The club says it can register new signings without problems and that any late striker arrival could limit first‑team chances for academy striker Hamza Abdelkarim.
- Rodri brings World Cup experience and leadership while replacing Lewandowski’s goals poses a tougher challenge because the transfer window closes on September 1 and top targets such as Julián Álvarez appear unlikely to move.