What Number Will Rodri Wear at Barcelona?

The Spanish midfielder has reportedly already chosen his number for this new chapter and has spoken with one of his teammates about taking it.

Rodri is all set to begin his new chapter with Barcelona, and one of the details starting to take shape is the number he will wear. The Spanish midfielder reportedly wants to keep the No. 16 shirt, the same number he wore during his successful spell at Manchester City.

Rodri Wants to Keep the No. 16 Shirt

Rodri has reportedly already spoken with Fermín López, who currently wears the No. 16 shirt at Barcelona, to ask him for the number ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The switch should not be a problem, as Fermín López could move to No. 7, which became available following Ferran Torres’ departure for Paris Saint-Germain.

That would allow Rodri to keep the number he became identified with during his seven seasons at Manchester City. The Spain international arrives as one of the major reinforcements for Hansi Flick’s side, which is looking to strengthen its midfield and once again compete for every major trophy.

The Spaniard has already arrived in Barcelona accompanied by his family and expressed his happiness about beginning this new chapter. After several days of negotiations, the midfielder returns to Spanish soccer and joins a locker room where he already knows several players from his time with the national team.

The No. 9 Shirt Is Also Available

The potential switch between Rodri and Fermín López would not be the only change to Barcelona’s shirt numbers for the new season.

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The No. 9 shirt also became available following Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The Catalan club could keep that number vacant while continuing to monitor Julián Álvarez, one of the forwards who has emerged as a potential target.

The Argentine previously shared a locker room with Rodri at Manchester City, although there is currently no confirmed deal for him to join the Catalan side.

While the future of the No. 9 shirt remains uncertain, everything points to Rodri getting his wish. Barcelona’s new midfielder would wear No. 16, while Fermín López would switch to No. 7.