Rodri is reportedly already planning one of the smallest but most symbolic details of his Barcelona move. The Spain midfielder has asked Fermín López about taking the No.16 shirt, with Fermín expected to switch to the newly available No.7.
Rodri’s expected move to Barcelona is approaching its final stages, and the Manchester City midfielder is reportedly already discussing one important detail of his new life at the club.
Rodri has reportedly spoken with Fermín López about taking Barcelona’s No.16 shirt, the number he has become closely associated with during his career.
Fermín currently holds No.16 at Barça, but reports indicate that the 23-year-old is prepared to give it up and move to another iconic number No.7.
The request has attracted attention as Rodri moves closer to completing one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
Rodri reportedly asks Fermín for No.16
Fabrizio Romano reported that Rodri asked Fermín about the possibility of taking the No.16 shirt during conversations between the players.
The wording is important.
This was reportedly a request, not an ultimatum or a condition Rodri imposed before agreeing to join Barcelona.
Some social media accounts have described the situation more dramatically, suggesting Rodri demanded that Fermín surrender his number.
There is currently no reliable evidence that Rodri told Barcelona he would only join if he received No.16.
Instead, the situation appears to have been handled directly and amicably between the two players.
Why No.16 matters to Rodri
The shirt number has become strongly connected with Rodri.
He has worn No.16 throughout his hugely successful spell at Manchester City and has also used the same number for Spain.
It is the number associated with some of the biggest moments of his career.
Rodri became one of the world’s best midfielders while wearing it.
He won Premier League titles.
He lifted the Champions League.
He scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan.
And he eventually became a Ballon d’Or winner.
Continuing with No.16 at Barcelona would therefore allow Rodri to carry one of the most recognizable elements of his Manchester City and Spain career into his next chapter.
Fermín is expected to switch to No.7
Rodri’s request does not necessarily leave Fermín without an attractive option.
Reports in Spain indicate that Fermín is expected to take the No.7 shirt.
The number became available following changes to Barcelona’s squad and has traditionally carried considerable prestige at the club.
That creates a simple reshuffle.
Fermín moves from No.16 to No.7.
No.16 becomes available.
Rodri takes the number he prefers.
If finalized, both midfielders would begin the new season with different numbers.
No.7 would be a major shirt for Fermín
The change could also represent an important symbolic moment for Fermín.
Barcelona’s No.7 shirt has been worn by a long list of major players over the years.
Receiving it would reflect Fermín’s growing importance within the squad.
The academy graduate has developed into a valuable first-team player and remains an important part of Barcelona’s future.
Rather than simply losing his number to a new signing, Fermín could effectively move into a more famous shirt while helping Rodri secure his preferred No.16.
That makes the reported exchange considerably less dramatic than some headlines have suggested.
The request is another sign Rodri’s transfer is close
The shirt-number conversation has also attracted attention because of the timing.
Barcelona and Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement over Rodri after weeks of negotiations.
City accepted Barcelona’s latest offer after previously rejecting earlier proposals.
The total package is expected to be worth around €70 million to €75 million depending on bonuses.
Rodri has also reportedly agreed personal terms on a four-year contract.
The remaining stages involve the usual medical, documentation and registration procedures before Barcelona can formally present him.
Discussing shirt numbers therefore feels like another indication that the player and club are preparing for his arrival.
Barcelona finally broke Manchester City’s resistance
Rodri’s potential move has been one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
Barcelona initially approached Manchester City with a lower proposal.
City rejected it.
Barça returned with an improved offer.
That was also rejected.
But Barcelona continued negotiations and eventually submitted another proposal that was accepted.
Rodri’s preference for returning to Spain was a major factor throughout the process.
Now the conversation is moving away from whether Barcelona can sign him and towards the final details of how he will fit into the squad.
Rodri could become a major part of Barcelona’s midfield
The No.16 discussion may appear minor compared with a transfer worth tens of millions of euros.
But Barcelona are signing Rodri to play a major role.
The Spanish international brings qualities that could immediately strengthen Hansi Flick’s midfield.
He can control the tempo from deep.
He protects the defence.
He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure.
And his experience at the highest level could complement Barcelona’s younger midfield stars.
Rodri would arrive not as a development project but as an established elite player expected to contribute immediately.
Rodri and Barcelona still await official confirmation
Despite the reported agreement and the discussion over shirt numbers, one important detail remains.
Barcelona have not yet officially announced Rodri as their new No.16.
The transfer must first be formally completed.
The club must also finalize the registration and squad-number process before the shirt becomes official.
For that reason, it is more accurate to say Rodri is expected to receive No.16 rather than stating that the number has already been confirmed.
Similarly, Fermín’s move to No.7 is expected but should not be treated as final until Barcelona publish the official squad list.
Rodri did not issue Barcelona an ultimatum
The story has quickly generated dramatic headlines online.
Some have suggested Rodri demanded that Fermín give up his shirt before he would agree to join Barcelona.
That interpretation goes beyond the reporting currently available.
The strongest information indicates that Rodri asked Fermín whether he could take No.16.
Fermín reportedly accepted.
There is no indication of a dispute between the two players.
There is also no reliable report that the shirt number was a formal condition attached to Rodri’s transfer.
The distinction matters.
This appears to be a conversation between teammates rather than a transfer ultimatum.
A small detail that says plenty about Rodri’s expected arrival
Major transfers are usually dominated by enormous numbers.
Transfer fees.
Wages.
Contract lengths.
Release clauses.
But sometimes a small detail reveals how advanced a move has become.
Rodri is reportedly already thinking about the shirt he wants to wear.
Fermín appears ready to accommodate him.
And Barcelona are preparing a reshuffle that could give both players significant numbers.
Fermín López could take No.7.
Rodri could inherit No.16.
And one of Barcelona’s biggest summer signings may already be preparing the details of his new identity at Camp Nou.
