Deal agreed for Barcelona to sign World Cup winner after proposal approved by Xavi
He will add experience to Barca's midfield.
Guido Rodriguez is set to become a Barcelona player this summer.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder is approaching the end of his fifth season with Real Betis and his contract is due to expire on June 30.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X.com, Barca have agreed a deal to sign Rodriguez on a free transfer.
Rodriguez is poised to join Barca on an initial two-year contract with the option to extend by a further 12 months.
The transfer has been approved by Barca boss Xavi Hernandez but nothing has yet been formally signed.
Romano tweeted on Monday morning: “Xavi Hernandez has approved Guido Rodriguez as new Barca signing for the next season.
“The manager has already told [sporting director] Deco that Guido could be a good solution, a player who can be needed for Barca’s plan next season.
“Two year deal + option agreed, still waiting to sign.”
The deal for Rodriguez has been in the pipeline for some time now but Romano explained in last Friday’s Daily Briefing why it has not yet been officially confirmed.
Transfer guru Romano wrote: “Barca have to wait for Financial Fair Play approval before any contracts are signed.”
Rodriguez has made 28 appearances for Betis this season, including a half-hour cameo in a 5-0 defeat by Barca in September.
The former Club America star has been capped 29 times by Argentina at senior international level.
He has scored one goal for his country - in a 1-0 win over Uruguay at the Copa America in 2021 following an assist by Barca legend Lionel Messi.
Rodriguez’s most recent international appearance came in June 2023.
He was previously a member of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and he played 57 minutes in a 2-0 win over Mexico during the group stage.
