Rodri: Ballon d’Or ‘no use to me’ amid injury woes

LONDON, England: Aston Villa has secured the signing of midfielder Rodri from Manchester City in a transfer deal reported to be worth an initial £60 million, potentially rising with add-ons. The player has agreed to a five-year contract, marking one of the club’s most significant acquisitions in recent years.

The transfer concluded after weeks of negotiation between the two Premier League clubs, with Villa eager to strengthen their central midfield options. Rodri, 28, has been a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield since joining in 2019 and is valued for his tactical intelligence, passing range, and defensive positioning. Despite recent injury setbacks that have limited his appearances, Villa’s management believes his experience and ball retention abilities fit well into their strategic vision under current manager Unai Emery.

Villa director of football Johan Lange commented on the transfer, emphasizing Rodri’s composure and leadership qualities that would enhance the squad’s midfield resilience and build-up play. The club expects Rodri to play a pivotal role in their efforts to solidify their Premier League standing and push for European qualification.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the deal reflects a restructuring of Pep Guardiola’s midfield options following tactical shifts and the emergence of younger players. The fee reportedly eclipses Villa’s previous transfer records, underlining their intent to compete at a higher level.

This signing signals an ambitious period for Aston Villa, who are investing heavily in squad quality to support Emery’s attacking and possession-based style. For Rodri, the move offers a fresh start and the opportunity for regular first-team football to reestablish himself among England’s elite midfielders.