Man City Refuse to Bow to Madrid Pressure! Huge New Deal on the Table to Keep £62.8 Million Midfield Engine at the Etihad!
Manchester City are reportedly determined to tie down Spanish international Rodri to a new long-term deal as speculation over a potential move to Real Madrid continues to swirl.
According to a report from Football Insider, the reigning La Liga champions are actively scouring the market for midfield reinforcements ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. High on their list of targets is Manchester City’s midfield general, Rodri. However, Pep Guardiola’s side are keen to fend off interest from Los Blancos by offering the 28-year-old an improved and extended contract.
Rodri’s Meteoric Rise to the Top
Since completing a £62.8 million switch from Atletico Madrid to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, Rodri has gone from strength to strength, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s elite midfielders. His journey to the top began at Villarreal, where he developed through the club’s youth academy, before making a name for himself at Atletico Madrid.
Over the past six years, the Spanish star has firmly established himself as the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield. Calm under pressure, tactically astute, and technically brilliant, Rodri has played a pivotal role in City’s domestic and European dominance. To date, he has made over 250 appearances for the Premier League champions, contributing 26 goals and 31 assists across all competitions — an impressive return for a player primarily known for his defensive and distributive responsibilities.
However, the 2024/25 season has been a challenging one for the Spaniard. Rodri suffered a serious knee injury early in the campaign, sidelining him for an extended period. Despite his absence, interest in his services remains high, with Real Madrid reportedly seeing him as the ideal figure to bolster their midfield.
A Potential Return to La Liga?
Real Madrid’s admiration for Rodri is neither sudden nor surprising. The Spanish giants have been monitoring the midfielder for several years, well aware of his talents and his potential fit within their system. Following the retirement of club legend Toni Kroos last summer, Real Madrid have faced a noticeable dip in midfield creativity and control — a void they are desperate to fill.
In addition to Rodri, Real Madrid have also been linked with other high-profile midfielders, including Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Nevertheless, Rodri remains a top priority for the club hierarchy, who view him as a ready-made successor to Kroos, capable of dictating play and offering defensive solidity.
However, prising Rodri away from Manchester City will be no easy feat. The Premier League champions are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers for their midfield lynchpin. In fact, City are preparing a lucrative long-term contract proposal in hopes of securing Rodri’s services well into the future. Club officials are optimistic that a new deal will convince the player to commit his peak years to the Etihad Stadium.
Should Rodri opt to extend his stay with Manchester City, Real Madrid may be forced to shift their focus to alternative midfield targets when the transfer window opens. Regardless, the battle for Rodri’s signature looks set to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the summer.
