“I understand” – Rodri issues fresh update on Manchester City future | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Rodri has insisted he will not be thinking about his club future until after the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America.

Following the monumental news that Pep Guardiola has officially brought his legendary decade-long tenure to a close, Manchester City’s hierarchy has moved decisively, finalising a deal to install former assistant Enzo Maresca into the Etihad Stadium dugout.

Despite City ending their gruelling 2025/26 campaign on a high with an impressive FA Cup and Carabao Cup domestic double, pushing through a further squad refresh remains the top priority for Sporting Director Hugo Viana.

The underlying anxiety surrounding the first-team spine has intensified following the end of the season, particularly with media speculation connecting defensive pillars Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol with potential moves away.

While the club initiated positive advanced contract extensions with key assets like winger Jérémy Doku, Rodri’s status as a fundamental anchor makes any ambiguity regarding his position critical. With only a year left on his contract, Real Madrid are claimed to have positioned themselves to test City’s resolve.

Rodri places Man City future talks on hold

Now, speaking to reporters from the Spanish national team’s training base, Rodri was quizzed by reporters on the FIFA World Cup and the nation’s hopes for the tournament, as well as whether fans should be on alert for developments concerning his future.

“I understand there might be some noise, but for me I’m obviously going to focus on the World Cup,” the Manchester City midfielder insisted.

He continued, “I’m not going to dedicate my time to that, and then after the World Cup let’s see.”

What the summer holds for Rodri

The midfielder’s open-ended stance leaves his future up in air just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, and by deflecting long-term commitment until after the tournament, the 29-year-old effectively places Manchester City’s primary contract extension plans on ice.

The hesitation exposes the Premier League runners-up to an element of market vulnerability, as a standout tournament on the global stage would only embolden suitors like Real Madrid to launch a strong bid.

When the first-team squad reports back to the City Football Academy for pre-season in July, the newly-installed manager will be forced to plan his initial patterns without his most influential leader present owing to necessary rest beyond the international competition.

Finding a definitive resolution to Rodri’s future will be Hugo Viana’s ultimate mission before the domestic campaign officially kicks off towards the end of August, and whether the midfielder returns from North America ready to pen a lucrative contract extension or chooses to orchestrate a high-profile return to Spain remains a significant talking point.