Barcelona’s preliminary agreement with Manchester City for the signing of Rodri could provide an unexpected financial boost to Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal, with both Spanish clubs set to benefit from FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.
The 30-year-old midfielder is preparing to return to La Liga after seven years away from Spain, with the proposed transfer worth €65m up front and a further €10m in add-ons. If all the conditions are met, the total value of the deal could rise to €75m.
Under FIFA’s solidarity rules, clubs involved in a player’s development between the ages of 12 and 23 are entitled to 5% of the total transfer fee. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, that allocation is calculated at 0.25% for each year between the ages of 12 and 15, and 0.5% for every year from 16 to 23.
That means Rayo Majadahonda, where Rodri began his football education, will not receive a payment. He left the club at the age of 11, before the period covered by the solidarity mechanism began.
Atletico de Madrid, however, is in line for a significant sum. Rodri joined the club when he was 11 and remained there until he was 17, spending seven seasons in its academy and first team.
On the fixed transfer fee of €65m, Atletico will receive at least €1.5m, according to the calculations reported. The payment includes €650,000 for the four seasons before Rodri turned 15 and €975,000 for the three seasons after that age.
Should the full package reach €75m, Atletico’s share would increase to €2m. That figure would comprise €750,000 for the period before his 15th birthday and €1.125m for the seasons that followed.
Villarreal are also set to benefit from the proposed move. The club played a key role in developing Rodri’s talent and introducing him to the wider football world. He spent five seasons there, including two in the academy and three with the senior team.
Based on the guaranteed €65m fee, Villarreal would receive €1.625m. If the transfer reaches its maximum value of €75m, the club’s payment would rise to €1.875m.
The combined benefit for Atletico and Villarreal could therefore approach €4m, despite neither club having any direct involvement in the negotiations between Barcelona and Manchester City.
Rodri’s return to Spain would also see him join Barcelona, Atletico’s traditional rival, after seven years away from the Spanish league. The agreement remains preliminary, with the final value dependent on the add-ons included in the deal.
