Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Rodri from Atletico Madrid on a five-year deal.
The club paid the 23-year-old's £62million release clause on Wednesday making him City's most expensive player, surpassing the £60million they paid for Riyad Mahrez last summer.
Under Spanish football rules, the player has to pay his own release fee, so City advanced the 70million euros to the 23-year-old midfielder. Rodri’s representatives then forward the money to La Liga, who in turn pass it on to the selling club.
He has been earmarked as a starting defensive midfielder, in competition with Fernandinho , and expected to replace the 34-year-old Brazil international once his career ends.
“Rodri has proven himself to be a hugely talented, young midfielder, who has all the attributes we are looking for. " Txiki Begiristain, City’s Director of Football said.
“He works hard defensively, makes himself available to receive the ball and uses it well when in possession. He is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and we are confident he will be a success.”
Rodri spent a season at Atletico having made a move there from Villareal last summer where he made 47 appearances and scored three goals. The 23-year-old is also a Spain international, with six caps, and is seen as the successor to Sergio Busquets in the national team.
