Rodri moves closer to bumper Manchester City contract extension | OneFootball

Manchester City are edging closer to towards renewing the contract of star defensive midfielder Rodri at the Etihad Stadium, it is being reported.

The news is likely to come as a significant boost for Pep Guardiola’s side as they navigate the final fortnight of the 2025/26 campaign, with Rodri remaining the undisputed heartbeat of the City midfield despite his lingering injury problems in recent weeks.

With the club currently locked in a Premier League title battle with Arsenal and preparing for the FA Cup Final against Chelsea on May 16, securing the long-term commitment of their most influential player is seen as a priority for Sporting Director Hugo Viana.

Speculation regarding a potential return to Spain has loomed over the 29-year-old for months, particularly with Real Madrid seeking a definitive successor to their own midfield core, with Rodri himself having seemingly opened the door to a switch earlier this year.

Rodri’s importance to the Manchester City project cannot be overstated, having proven to be the foundation to the club’s dominance during the Treble season in particular, and the campaign that saw the club win a fourth successive Premier League crown.

City’s willingness to significantly upgrade his terms also reflects his status as arguably the best holding midfielder in world football, and perhaps a future captaincy candidate as senior figures like John Stones and Bernardo Silva prepare for their summer exits.

Real Madrid interest stagnates as ‘imminent’ decision nears

Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Real Madrid have not yet taken any official steps with Manchester City regarding the potential signing of Spain international midfielder Rodri, despite interest in the player.

As such, it is now pointed out that Rodri is closer to renewing his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and a decision on the matter described as being ‘imminent’.

From the side of Manchester City, officials at the Etihad are said to have been negotiating a contract renewal with Rodri ‘for weeks’, and are willing to accelerate the process to keep the player ‘for at least one more year’ in the Premier League.

Ensuring leadership and experience for the future

The acceleration of talks is a clear statement of intent from the Manchester City hierarchy, and securing the future of Rodri, the club is no doubt ensuring tactical continuity during a summer of significant overhaul through the exits of John Stones and Bernardo Silva.

For Pep Guardiola, having Rodri’s future settled would allow the squad to focus entirely on the pitch, ensuring that the legacy built by departing legends can be carried forward by the Spaniard in particular.

Looking ahead, the new deal would be expected to catapult Rodri into the highest bracket of earners at the club, rewarding his remarkable consistency and importance to the side’s tactical philosophy.