Two Manchester City first-team stars prioritised for contract extension talks | OneFootball

Manchester City are prioritising the possibility of extending two first-team contracts ahead of their respective expiry dates in the summer of 2027.

City’s strategy under new sporting director Hugo Viana has largely focused on securing the next generation of trophy-winning stars at the Etihad Stadium, while also bracing for a potential midfield refresh spread across multiple transfer windows.

Arguably the standout move of the last 12 months was the long-term renewal of Nico O’Reilly, who signed a new contract until June 2030, with his importance for the present and future most recently celebrated by a match-winning brace against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Final.

The 2025 calendar year also saw extensions for rising stars in Savinho (2031) and Rico Lewis (2030), committing their peak years to the Etihad Stadium. However, these successful negotiations are balanced against an element of concern regarding two key names.

Who are Man City’s contract extension priorities?

According to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, the potential contract extension of Rodri is one of two existing priorities for Manchester City and their first-team squad planning, along with ensuring the future of Phil Foden.

Both players will enter into the final 12 months of their contract this summer, whilst Nathan Ake and Mateo Kovacic will also see their deals expire at the end of the 2026/27 campaign, but neither are currently being eyed for contractual talks.

As for contracts expiring in the immediate terms, club captain Bernardo Silva is expected to leave at the end of the season, with Manchester City officials currently monitoring players to bolster the centre of the park ahead of the summer market.

Are any midfielders being targeted for Man City transfers?

Should Bernardo Silva complete an exit from Manchester City on a free transfer, the Portugal international is currently expected to make a move to one of Europe’s premier clubs, with reports in his home nation shutting down suggestions of an emotional return to Benfica.

As for the plans from within the Etihad Stadium to replace the legendary 31-year-old, a number of high-profile midfield profiles are believed to be on the radar, particularly from within the Premier League.

Among those names are Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, both of whom are being monitored by Hugo Viana and would no doubt come with significant asking prices should City show an interest.

Undoubtedly, given the two players’ qualities and experience shown across the Premier League in particular, Manchester City will not have a free run at either player with expected competition from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.