A senior Manchester City player is reportedly preparing to bring his time at the Etihad Stadium to a close, with claims he has already made up his mind about his future.
Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a challenging spell in recent weeks, struggling to maintain the high standards that have defined their pursuit of domestic and European success.
Their Premier League title charge has taken a significant hit following consecutive draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham United, leaving them nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal with only eight matches remaining.
Their difficulties have not been limited to domestic competition. In Europe, City face an uphill battle after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The result leaves Guardiola’s men with a daunting task ahead of the return fixture in Manchester.
Amid these on-field struggles, attention has turned to developments behind the scenes, where uncertainty appears to be growing over the future of one of the club’s most influential figures.
Reports from Spanish outlet El Nacional suggest that contract discussions between City and Rodri have reached an impasse.
According to the report, negotiations have effectively “broken”, raising serious doubts about whether the midfielder will commit his long-term future to the club.
More strikingly, it is claimed that Rodri has already communicated his stance clearly, informing his representatives that he has “no intention” of signing a new deal with the Sky Blues.
The midfielder is said to be considering a return to Spain, with the aim of finishing his career in his home country.
Injury struggles and uncertain return to peak form
Rodri’s current contract is due to run until the end of the 2026/27 season, giving City some time to assess their options.
However, the latest reports suggest that the player’s preference is unlikely to change, potentially forcing the club to make a difficult decision in the coming transfer windows.
Since arriving from Atletico Madrid, Rodri has established himself as a cornerstone of Guardiola’s system.
His composure, positional awareness and ability to control the tempo of matches have made him indispensable during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
The Spanish international has made 291 appearances in all competitions, contributing 28 goals along the way. His performances reached new heights during the 2023/24 campaign, which saw him recognised with the Ballon d’Or — a reflection of his influence both domestically and on the European stage.
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However, his momentum was halted by a serious injury sustained in September 2024. Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a match against Arsenal, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. The lengthy recovery period has inevitably impacted his rhythm and consistency.
Since returning to action, the 29-year-old has struggled at times to rediscover the form that once made him one of the most dominant midfielders in world football.
While flashes of his quality remain evident, there is a sense that he is still working his way back to full sharpness.
Rodri’s potential departure would represent more than just the loss of a player; it would signal the possible end of an era in midfield.
Replacing his unique skill set — combining defensive discipline with creative intelligence — would be no straightforward task.
