Sources: Man City plan to hold fresh Rodri talks amid Real Madrid transfer circus
Man City are set to hold new contract talks with star midfielder Rodri amid continued interest in his services from Real Madrid.
Rodri has been one of Man City’s leading players amid their success under Pep Guardiola over recent years, but he is fast approaching the final 18 months of his contract at the club, which is set to expire in the summer of 2027.
Football Insider revealed in August that Man City are concerned about Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri, with work being done behind the scenes to offer him fresh terms.
Rodri recently suffered an injury setback following a return to action after he tore his ACL tear last season, and City paid the price as his recent substitution against Monaco in the Champions League saw Nico Gonzalez go on to concede a late penalty.
Uncertainty remains around his future at the Etihad Stadium, with Real Madrid still interested, but City are now ramping up their efforts to get him tied down to a new deal.
Man City are in constant contract talks with Rodri, he is ‘happy’ to stay
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Rodri is happy in England and will be open to penning fresh terms at Man City.
There is no immediate rush for him to sign a new contract, but talks will be ongoing and the Citizens are aware of Real’s long-time interest in the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “It’s the usual situation when you get Real Madrid and the transfer circus that sometimes surrounds them. Look, Rodri has been a long-term target for them. He would be a dream signing for Real Madrid, but Manchester City won’t want to lose Rodri.
“He’s in similar situation to [Phil] Foden, under contract until 2027. I’m sure City will be looking to sit down and sort out Rodri’s future as well. They won’t want him going into the final year of his contract next summer without putting pen to paper.
“There’ll be talks ongoing and future talks planned as well, just to try and sort out his future because he still has a key role to play.
“The player, I’m sure, will decide his own future as well. If he’s happy in England and at Man City, I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to sign a new contract. And we know that City will be more than happy to keep him as well. So talks are ongoing.“
Man City plot more fresh contract talks with key stars
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently told Football Insider that Man City could make Rodri their highest-paid player with a new deal, and he is not the only one of their stars who could pen fresh terms soon.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (3 October) that Man City want to secure Phil Foden’s long-term future, as, much like Rodri, he is currently due to leave for free in 2027.
Man City are also preparing contract talks with John Stones, with his deal due to expire at the end of this season, so it is clear that the club are planning ahead so as to avoid needing a huge rebuild in the years to come.
It remains to be seen whether the club can get these new contracts over the line in the weeks and months to come, but Guardiola will need his side to improve some more on the pitch to prove that other stars are worthy of staying long-term.