Barcelona sporting director Deco says signing Rodri makes sense but the club are planning moves to replace Robert Lewandowski, who left when his contract ended this summer after averaging more than a goal a game for the reigning Liga champions. Spain captain Rodri, who was out of contract at Manchester City in 2027, joined Barca for �65 million on Tuesday, although there has been speculation that part of their motivation for the deal involved preventing Real Madrid from signing the revered midfielder.Initially, he wasnt in our plans because we thought he wasnt available, Deco told TV3, via Mundo Deportivo.We didnt sign him to take a player from Madrid. That would be a mistake. Hes one of the best midfielders in the world. Were certain he can contribute and thats why it makes sense.Table of ContentsRodri: Barcelona deal with Man City improves teamBarcelona transfers: Lewandowski replacement loomsHansi Flick: Barca signing Rodri one of the bestWhats next? Barcelona fixtures, scheduleRodri: Barcelona deal with Man City improves teamDeco said Rodri represented an opportunity. We went for it and we succeeded, he explained, adding that Barca had taken the same approach with new signings Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu and Joao Cancelo.Were happy with everyone. Every signing weve made has a purpose. Before signing anyone, we discussed it extensively before making a decision.Everything has a purpose: to improve the team. Rodri improves it.The 30-year-old was the final player introduced during the traditional round of squad introductions in front of Barcelonas crowd before the Joan Gamper Trophy match on Wednesday.Rodri received the most rapturous reception of any player to emerge from the tunnel at Camp Nou, although the 2024 Ballon dOr winner was not involved in the 2-1 win over Egyptian side Al Ahly, with captain Raphinha and 18-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim scoring during the first half.Barcelona transfers: Lewandowski replacement loomsWhile Abdelkarim has four goals in pre-season and Adeyemi and Gordon offer Barca more width and attacking options, the most prolific team in last seasons Liga face a considerable task to find a player who can emulate Robert Lewandowskis impact, with the transfer window shutting on September 1.Now with MLS side Chicago Fire, the Poland icon scored 119 goals in 191 games between 2022 and 2026, winning La Liga three times and the 2025 Copa del Rey.Two players have left, reflected Deco. Ferran [Torres, to Paris Saint-Germain] and Robert. We can fill Ferran s role with the new additions, but replacing Robert is very difficult.Even if you find a good player, its very difficult because he defined an era with us. We have internal solutions but we will certainly make some moves.Its about finding the best solution. We are working to see what we can do between now and the end of the season.Hansi Flick: Barca signing Rodri one of the bestFlick praised Deco for doing a great job and confirmed Barca are looking for that player in attack.Hamza is a good striker, Flick said after the trophy win. We can see it when he attacks crosses.I saw him holding onto the ball [against Al-Ahly], which is good. This is what I want to see from him.Rodri showed at the World Cup that he was one of the best; he gave structure to the team, organises the game well and can decide whether to play faster or slower. Hes a leader.Initially a loan signing for Barcelona B in February, Egypt newcomer Abdelkarim joined Barca permanently for around �1.3m in June and has made that price look astonishingly good value during a pre-season to suggest his new club have another sensation on their books.Whats next? Barcelona fixtures, scheduleReigning Spanish champions Barcas competitive season begins away to Elche in La Liga on August 23 (20:30 BST). Topics Al Ahly SC Egypt national football team FC Barcelona Fermin Lopez Hansi Flick LaLiga Lamine Yamal Raphinha Real Madrid CF Rodri Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Atletico Madrid 2-0 Malaga: Report, result, goals from La Liga Ben Miller 19th August, 2026 Barcelona 2-1 Al Ahly: Report, result, goals from Joan Gamper Trophy 2026 Ben Miller 19th August, 2026 Barcelona vs Al Ahly: Confirmed Joan Gamper Trophy teams and line ups Ben Miller 19th August, 2026 Barcelona v Al Ahly Line-ups, stats and preview 101 GreatGoals 19th August, 2026 I wish Rodri well, but not too well, says Real Madrid boss Mourinho, who lavishes praise on incredible Mbappe Jon Fisher 19th August, 2026 Rodri: Barcelona sign Man City star in �65m transfer as Real Madrid miss out on Spain captain Jon Fisher 18th August, 2026
