Barcelona reach verbal agreement for first summer signing - Romano

Cameron Smith

• 28 Apr 2024 09:15 CDT
• 3 min read

Barcelona have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer this summer.

Rodriguez, 30, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years, but he now looks set to move to Camp Nou amid their search for a Sergio Busquets replacement.

The Blaugrana legend left the club to join Inter Miami last summer and Oriol Romeu has struggled to replace him this season.

READ MORE: Five players who could leave Barcelona this summer

Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong have both played in a deep midfield role at times, while Andreas Christensen has even been relied upon over the past few weeks, despite the fact his best position is as a centre-back.

With Xavi searching for a new defensive midfielder, Barcelona are now set to sign Rodriguez when his contract at Betis expires at the end of June.

READ MORE: Arsenal face transfer battle following Xavi's Barcelona U-turn

What has been said?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Barcelona have Guido Rodriguez deal under control with terms of initial, verbal agreement ready on free transfer from Betis.

“Nothing has been signed or guaranteed yet as there are still key details left.”

Rodriguez is set to sign a two-year contract at Camp Nou, while the agreement will reportedly include an option for a further year.

The 30-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

Barcelona are also interested in signing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with Xavi deemed to be a huge admirer of the Spanish midfielder. However, Arsenal are also interested in signing him and Barca’s financial woes may ensure a pursuit is impossible.

The Blaugrana have utilised the free agent market well in recent years and they are set to make Rodriguez their first signing following Xavi’s recent managerial U-turn.