Rodri has reportedly asked to wear the No. 16 shirt at Barcelona following his move from Manchester City, with Fermín López set to switch to No. 7.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodri discussed the shirt number with Fermín López in recent days and made clear that he wanted to keep the iconic No. 16 he has worn throughout his career.
Fermín is now expected to take the No. 7 shirt following Ferran Torres' departure for Paris Saint-Germain.
Recent reports also confirm that Barcelona have assigned López the No. 7 shirt, clearing No. 16 for Rodri.
Rodri Set to Keep His Famous No. 16
The No. 16 has become closely associated with Rodri, who wore it during his time at Manchester City and with Spain.
His preference to retain the number means Fermín will move from No. 16 to No. 7 as Barcelona prepare for the new season.
The change also gives Rodri a familiar shirt number as he begins his new chapter at Camp Nou.
Rodri's arrival comes after Barcelona reached an agreement with Manchester City for the Spanish international, ending his seven-year spell in English football.
Manchester City accepted Barcelona's latest proposal after several rounds of negotiations.
Fermín Takes Over No. 7
For Fermín, the switch to No. 7 represents a significant change.
The 23 year old midfielder has worn No. 16 for Barcelona and has established himself as an important member of the first-team squad.
Barcelona's official player page previously listed him with the No. 16 shirt.
The No. 7 shirt became available following Ferran Torres' move to PSG, creating an opportunity for Fermín to take one of Barcelona's most recognisable squad numbers.
With Rodri now taking No. 16 and Fermín moving to No. 7, Barcelona's squad numbering is undergoing another notable change ahead of the new campaign.