Manchester City are preparing to intensify talks with Rodri over a new contract as the club attempt to prevent one of their most influential players from leaving during a period of growing uncertainty at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spain midfielder has emerged as a major transfer target ahead of the summer window, with strong reports linking him with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
City, however, are determined to keep the 29-year-old at the centre of their long-term plans and are ready to take immediate action to ensure he remains in Manchester.
The situation has become even more significant because of continuing speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future.
Reports have claimed that the City manager will leave at the end of the season, bringing to a close one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. The Sky Blues are now eager to avoid losing both Guardiola and Rodri in the same transition period.
Rodri has established himself as one of the most reliable and complete midfielders in world football since joining City from Atletico Madrid.
His composure in possession, ability to dictate matches and defensive intelligence have made him indispensable for Guardiola’s side over the past few seasons.
According to reports, City executives believe securing Rodri to a longer deal would send a strong message about the club’s ambitions beyond the Guardiola era. The midfielder is viewed internally as one of the pillars capable of leading the next generation of the squad.
Interest from Real Madrid has intensified in recent weeks. The Spanish side are expected to undergo changes of their own during the summer, with reports suggesting Jose Mourinho could take charge next season.
It is understood the Portuguese manager would be keen to bring Rodri back to Spain as part of a new-look Madrid side.
City are aware of the growing interest and are now preparing to “ramp up efforts to agree on a new deal with the Spaniard”. The club reportedly see the midfielder as untouchable despite increasing attention from Europe’s elite teams.
While Rodri’s future remains a major talking point, City’s wider rebuilding process is already beginning to take shape.
The club are facing the possibility of several high-profile departures at the end of the campaign, with Bernardo Silva and John Stones both expected to move on after years of service.
Those potential exits would mark the end of an era for a side that has dominated English football under Guardiola.
- Raging Pep Guardiola makes Man City stars attend emergency meeting to reveals top secret
- Man City fans completely hijack Maria Guardiola’s Instagram post over Pep’s departure
Silva has been one of City’s most creative and technically gifted players, while Stones reinvented himself as a crucial figure in Guardiola’s tactical system during the club’s most successful years.
Their departures, combined with uncertainty over Guardiola, would leave City entering a new phase next season. That is one of the key reasons the club hierarchy are placing such importance on keeping Rodri at the Etihad.
The midfielder’s influence has stretched far beyond statistics. He has consistently delivered in the biggest matches and played a decisive role in City’s domestic and European triumphs.
His performances have also earned widespread individual recognition, including winning the Ballon d’Or during his spell in England.
Few players in modern football combine tactical discipline and technical quality in the same way as Rodri. His calmness under pressure has allowed City to control matches against elite opposition, while his positional awareness has often protected the defence during difficult moments.
