Atletico Madrid and Villarreal to Earn Millions as Barcelona Nears Rodri Signing from Manchester City

Atletico Madrid and Villarreal Poised for Big Paydays from Rodri's Transfer

Atletico Madrid and Villarreal stand to gain millions thanks to FIFA's solidarity mechanism, following the impending transfer of Rodri from Manchester City to Barcelona. The Spanish clubs will benefit financially after Barcelona secured a major deal with City for the midfielder.

Barcelona Reaches Agreement for Rodri

Barcelona and Manchester City have come to terms on a significant transfer deal for the Spain international Rodri. At 30 years old, the midfielder is expected to join the Catalan side in a transaction reportedly worth an initial €65 million (£55m) fixed fee, with an additional €10 million (£8.5m) in bonuses based on performance.

Though Manchester City is the selling club, other teams involved in Rodri’s development will also receive payments due to FIFA’s rules.

Atletico Madrid's Share from Solidarity Payments

FIFA’s global solidarity mechanism requires that 5% of any international transfer fee be distributed among clubs that trained the player between ages 12 and 23. Since Rodri spent seven formative years at Atletico Madrid’s academy until he was 17, Atletico will receive at least €1.6 million (£1.3m) from the fixed fee portion alone. This amount could increase to around €2 million (£1.7m) if Rodri meets all contractual conditions.

Rodri’s first youth club, Rayo Majadahonda, won’t get a payout as he left them before age 12.

Villarreal Also Benefits

Villarreal is set to collect a notable share of the solidarity funds. Rodri spent five key seasons at Villarreal, including two years in their youth system and three years with the senior squad. After leaving Villarreal for Atletico in 2018, he moved to Manchester City a year later in a lucrative transfer.

With Rodri heading to Barcelona, Villarreal expects a welcome financial boost from the solidarity payments.

Transfer Announcement Pending

The final details of Rodri's move to Barcelona are being finalized, with the club expected to announce the signing soon. Head coach Hansi Flick looks forward to adding the experienced midfielder to his lineup ahead of a challenging season in both domestic and European competitions.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal await their payouts, which will aid their summer transfer activities before the window closes.

• Initial fixed fee: €65 million (£55m)
• Performance add-ons: €10 million (£8.5m)
• FIFA solidarity payment percentage: 5%
• Atletico Madrid’s guaranteed payout: At least €1.6 million (£1.3m), potentially up to €2 million (£1.7m)
• Rayo Majadahonda: No payout
• Villarreal: Significant share from solidarity payments