Atletico Madrid and Villarreal Poised for Big Payouts from Rodri's Transfer to Barcelona
Atletico Madrid and Villarreal stand to earn millions thanks to FIFA's solidarity mechanism after Rodri secured a high-profile transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona. This move comes with a hefty price tag that benefits not only the clubs involved in the deal but also the player's former teams.
Barcelona Agrees on Major Deal for Rodri
Barcelona and Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Spain’s international midfielder, Rodri. The 30-year-old is set to join the Catalan club this summer in a deal reportedly worth an initial €65 million (£55m) fixed fee, plus up to €10 million (£8.5m) based on performance-related bonuses.
This transfer isn't just a win for the clubs directly involved. Due to FIFA’s solidarity mechanism, other clubs who contributed to Rodri’s development will also receive compensation.
Atletico Madrid to Receive Solidarity Payment
The FIFA solidarity mechanism requires that 5% of any international transfer fee be shared among the clubs responsible for training the player between the ages of 12 and 23. Rodri spent seven formative years at Atletico Madrid before leaving at 17, which guarantees Atletico a minimum of €1.6 million (£1.3m) from the fixed fee alone. If all contractual conditions are met, this could rise to around €2 million (£1.7m). Notably, Rodri's first youth club, Rayo Majadahonda, won’t benefit as he left them before turning 12.
Villarreal Also Benefits from the Transfer
Villarreal will claim a significant share of the solidarity payments too. Rodri spent five critical seasons there, including two in the youth setup and three with the senior team. He moved back to Atletico in 2018 before joining Manchester City a year later for a lucrative transfer. Now, as he moves to Catalonia, Villarreal looks forward to receiving an unexpected financial boost.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
The final details of Rodri’s transfer to Barcelona are being finalized, with an official announcement expected soon. Head coach Hansi Flick is eager to incorporate the experienced midfielder into his lineup ahead of a demanding season both domestically and in Europe.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal await their payouts, which will aid their own summer transfer plans before the window closes.
- Transfer fee: €65 million fixed + €10 million in add-ons
- Atletico Madrid solidarity payment: At least €1.6 million, potentially up to €2 million
- Villarreal solidarity payment: Significant portion from FIFA mechanism
- Rayo Majadahonda: No payout (player left before age 12)
