Rodrigo Hernández is poised to become a player for FC Barcelona following confirmation of a preliminary agreement between the Catalan club and Manchester City for the transfer of the national team captain and World Cup MVP. The official announcement of the deal is expected in the coming days as the necessary paperwork is completed, with a total agreement reached between Barcelona and the player. Although the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, reports suggest it could be around €76.8 million.

In addition, Barcelona is close to finalizing the return of João Cancelo, who is likely to join as a free agent after parting ways with Al Hilal. This reunion at Spotify Camp Nou would see both players, who previously played together at Manchester City, back in action together. The news gained traction following Barcelona's recent friendly match in Basel, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicated that Manchester City was beginning to accept Rodri's departure.

Executives Deco and Alejandro Echevarría from Barcelona have been managing the operation, having initiated discussions during the World Cup in the United States. They presented a third offer to Manchester City, reportedly around €70 million, hoping it would be the final one. According to journalist Pol Ballús from The Athletic, the deal is structured with €60 million as a fixed fee, plus an additional €16.5 million in bonuses, with €11 million potentially going to City.

Rodri was notably absent from Manchester City's squad for the Community Shield final, which Arsenal won decisively. The player is now awaiting confirmation to travel to Barcelona for his presentation ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy, pending the completion of bureaucratic procedures. In recent days, he has been in touch with teammates from the national team with whom he recently won the World Cup, including Joan García, Eric, Cubarsí, Olmo, Gavi, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal.

Furthermore, Cancelo's return to Barcelona has been anticipated due to his impressive performance during his previous stint with the club. He has reportedly resolved his contract with Al Hilal, allowing for a free transfer. Cancelo hinted at his return on social media by posting an image in Barcelona colors alongside an hourglass, suggesting that his transfer is imminent.