Just in: Barcelona secure first summer signing as midfielder signs pre-contract

In a huge update, journalist Gaston Edul is claiming that Guido Rodriguez is all set to sign for FC Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

As per the update, the Real Betis and Argentina midfielder has already signed a pre-contract with the Blaugrana and will arrive at the club in July as a free agent.

Guido, 30, has been a target for Barça for some time now, with the Catalans looking to reinforce the pivot midfield position.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s contract with Real Betis expires at the end of the season and he had shown no indication of wanting to renew for some time now.

Deal done

There were other clubs that had shown some interest in the Argentine international, but Barcelona have acted swiftly to secure his services.

Reports of an agreement in principle had started to surface towards the end of the last month and it is now being claimed that Rodriguez has already penned a pre-contract with the Catalans.

Barcelona’s first signing of the summer. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

As such, everything appears set for the Real Betis star to land in the Catalan capital come summer.

Guido arriving to replace Romeu

It must be noted that the signing of Guido Rodriguez does not indicate the end of Barcelona’s pursuit of a top defensive pivot.

The idea is that the 30-year-old will come at the club to replace Oriol Romeu, who is destined to leave after a disappointing second stint with the Blaugrana.

Even with Rodriguez’s imminent arrival, Barça are expected to go after a top pivot, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich being their preferred targets.