Why signing World Cup winner Rodri may be what sees Barcelona end Champions League drought
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- Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City for almost $70 million on a contract through 2030, fresh off winning the World Cup with Spain.
- Barcelona have won back-to-back LaLiga titles but come up short in the Champions League, and this summer also added Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi while pursuing Julian Alvarez.
- Rodri will partner Pedri in midfield alongside Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Frenkie de Jong, with his defensive positioning and counter-breaking ability shoring up Barcelona's vulnerable high line.
- Rodri, now 30, suffered an ACL rupture in 2024 and subsequent muscular injuries, raising durability concerns that Barcelona plan to manage via heavy rotation similar to PSG.
- Barcelona beat rival Real Madrid to Rodri's signature and are -138 LaLiga favorites compared to Real Madrid at +120, despite Jose Mourinho's return to Madrid.
- Barcelona open the season vs. Elche on Aug. 23, which may come too soon for Rodri's club debut.
Why it matters: Barcelona's Champions League shortcomings have hinged on a high line exposed to counter-attacks, and Rodri's positioning-and-passing profile directly addresses that weakness. By outbidding Real Madrid and signing him on a deal through 2030, Barcelona reinforce their grip atop LaLiga — where they are bookmakers' favorites — while assembling a squad built to finally win the Champions League for the first time since 2015.
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