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This transfer feels like a natural fit. Rodri is set to join Barcelona, with the reigning back-to-back La Liga champions luring the World Cup Golden Ball winner away from Manchester City right under Real Madrid's nose.
Los Blancos have been searching for adequate replacements for Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, but their initial serious attempt will fall short. Rodri's preference was Barça the moment he learned of their pursuit.
It's a major victory for a club that has dominated Spanish football since Hansi Flick took charge. However, Barça's ambitions extend beyond domestic glory. Fans are hungry for European success, with their last Champions League title coming in 2015, when Luis Enrique guided an 'MSN'-powered Blaugrana side to triumph.
Midfield hasn't been a glaring weakness for Barça in recent seasons, particularly when both Frenkie de Jong and Pedri have been available, yet Rodri undeniably strengthens Flick's squad. Questions had been raised about his ability to recapture the commanding form that earned him the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but the masterful midfielder put those doubts to rest this summer.
So, concerns about how Rodri will integrate at Barça have largely faded, though some fans may be curious about which shirt number he'll wear in Catalonia.
Rodri's Potential Shirt Numbers at Barcelona
If Barcelona were to leave their squad numbers unchanged heading into the 2026–27 campaign, there would be limited appealing options available for Rodri.
The Spaniard wore No. 16 throughout his time at Man City, taking it over from Sergio Agüero. Rodri also sported that number during part of his spell at Villarreal before switching to No. 14 during his single season at Atlético Madrid. That jersey has since been freed up at Barça following Marcus Rashford's departure.
The midfielder hasn't publicly explained his attachment to No. 16, though some believe it stems from his time coming through the youth ranks at Villarreal, where the number first became meaningful to him.
The 30-year-old has also worn No. 16 exclusively with the Spanish national side.
Available Jersey Numbers at Barcelona
Number | Last Worn By |
|---|---|
2 | João Cancelo |
4 | Ronald Araújo |
7 | Ferran Torres |
9 | Robert Lewandowski |
14 | Marcus Rashford |
26 | Jofre Torrents |
29 | Toni Fernández |
Jersey Numbers That Could Become Available
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La Masia product Fermín López has held the No. 16 shirt at Barcelona since the 2023–24 campaign, but the dynamic Spaniard is widely expected to give it up so Rodri can wear his favored number.
López is reportedly set to take on the No. 7 shirt this season following its vacancy after World Cup final standout Ferran Torres departed for Paris Saint-Germain in a $59 million transfer.
No. 14 might have been a viable alternative had López been unwilling to switch, and fellow new arrival Karim Adeyemi is reportedly interested in claiming that number.