Rodri of Manchester City during the Manchester City vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League round of 16 match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, 17 March 2026
Rodri is about to enter the final 12 months on his Manchester City contract.Imago

Man City to block midfield star joining Premier League rivals after Rodri twist

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Man City are increasingly likely to keep Tijjani Reijnders at the club this summer due to uncertainty around Rodri's long-term future, sources have told Football Insider.

Enzo Maresca is overseeing some major changes at the Etihad Stadium as he looks to successfully succeed Pep Guardiola at the helm.

Midfield is a particularly key area, with Bernardo Silva having departed at the end of his contract, while Elliot Anderson is set to arrive for a British record fee from Nottingham Forest.

Rumours are rife around Rodri's future, as he now has less than a year left on his current contract, with Real Madrid interested in a move.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the uncertainty around his situation means that Dutch star Reijnders is now likely to stay at the club.

He has been linked with a move away over the last few months, but looks set to be trusted by Maresca in his squad for the coming season.

Tijjani Reijnders set for Man City stay despite Premier League interest

Reijnders registered 14 goal contributions in 50 City appearances last term, but saw his game time dwindle towards the end of the season.

The likes of Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray have each been linked to his services, but a move looks unlikely to get off the ground this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It doesn't surprise me that other clubs are looking at him. He's under a long-term contract at Manchester City until 2030, so I'd be surprised if City will be willing to let him leave, especially with Bernardo Silva leaving this summer and ongoing doubts about Rodri's future as well."

Rodri of Manchester City during the Manchester City vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League round of 16 match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, 17 March 2026
Man City to make Phil Foden announcement after 'agreement in principle'

Man City are close to announcing new Phil Foden agreement

Foden's own City future was plunged into some doubt throughout last season as he failed to make an impact in several key games.

The 26-year-old missed out on England's World Cup squad after failing to score from mid-December onwards and falling out of favour under Guardiola.

Maresca still views him as a key part of his plans for the coming years, however, and sources have revealed to Football Insider that City are set to announce Foden's new contract extension soon.

They had reached an agreement in principle months ago, and are ready to go public with the new deal after all of the formalities were ironed out.

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