Exclusive: Man City to agree Rodri deal as Real Madrid swoop
Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri will lead Manchester City to offer the Ballon D’Or winner a new long-term contract, sources have told Football Insider.
Man City have felt Rodri’s absence massively since the Spaniard suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury against Arsenal in September, and Pep Guardiola has struggled to fill the gap in defensive midfield.
Guardiola quickly established the need for City to find a Rodri replacement if possible in January, and the £50million arrival of Nico Gonzalez has helped to plug the gap while the 28-year-old remains sidelined.
Despite the Ballon D’Or winner’s long absence, sources have told Football Insider that Real Madrid are still keen on a transfer for City’s number 16, and it’s not the first time such a move has been mooted.
Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last November that City could be powerless to prevent Rodri’s exit to the Spanish capital, but steps are now being taken to prevent the transfer.
Rodri set for long-term Man City contract offer
Football Insider sources have said City are “desperate” to get Rodri back to fitness and still see him as a key man, and the most likely outcome for the midfielder this summer is to sign a new long-term deal.
Under contract until 2027, Rodri is still only 28 and expected to still be Europe’s leading midfielders well into his thirties, and it’s no surprise that Guardiola is keen to retain City’s anchor in the engine room.
Former England keeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider in February that Douglas Luiz is one player who could step into Rodri’s role, but City are in no mood to replace their midfield metronome just yet.
Man City to press on with midfield rebuild
Regardless of whether Rodri extends his stay at the Etihad Stadium behind this summer, Guardiola is under no illusions that transfers aplenty will be needed in order for City to avoid a repeat of this season.
Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that City plan to make at least five “top-class” signings this summer to close the gap on Arsenal and Liverpool, with central midfield the position under most scrutiny.
City could sanction the unthinkable sale of Erling Haaland to Real Madrid as the Spanish giants continue to sniff around Guardiola’s squad, but will surely have the money to fund their overhaul regardless of this.
Kevin De Bruyne’s exit is already a certainty at the Etihad, and City will be keen to avoid Rodri also heading out the door before they’ve got the chance to re-integrate him back into Guardiola’s first-team.