Real Madrid are monitoring Manchester City’s Rodri as contract talks stall, with the midfielder in no rush to commit.
The future of Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri is yet to be decided, with Spanish outlet AS Sport claiming the next few months will be decisive. The 29-year-old Ballon d’Or winner is expected to receive a lucrative renewal offer running until 2029 — one that would match Erling Haaland’s wages and make him the highest-paid midfielder in Europe.
But Real Madrid are watching closely. The Spanish champions are in the market for a central midfielder, and Rodri’s profile — Madrid-born, Spain captain, Champions League winner — fits their wish list perfectly. Sources say Xabi Alonso and the Bernabéu hierarchy have placed him high on their target board, with the shortage of elite alternatives only sharpening their focus.
For Pep Guardiola’s side, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Rodri’s influence was underlined when he scored the decisive goal in City’s Champions League final win over Inter. His absence last season during injury spells saw performances dip sharply, while his return inspired dominant wins in the Club World Cup and against Juventus in pre-season.
Could City’s most reliable player be tempted by the lure of home, or will the Etihad remain his long-term stage?
Rodri Responds to Madrid Talk
After winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Rodri was asked about Real Madrid links in an interview with Cadena Ser.
“Obviously when Madrid, the best and most successful club in history, calls you, it is an honour… but of course not. I could perfectly end my career in England. It’s a country that has given me everything.” — Rodri, Cadena Ser
The Spaniard stressed his love for English football but acknowledged the honour of a potential Madrid approach — a balance that will keep speculation alive.
Rodri 2024/25 Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Rodri |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 8 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 91% |
Analyst Verdict
Rodri is the heartbeat of Guardiola’s midfield — his positional sense, composure under pressure, and ability to dictate tempo make him irreplaceable. From reviewing his last three matches, his role as both playmaker and defensive shield remains unmatched in City’s squad. Losing him would be more than a tactical setback; it would remove the emotional and organisational core of one of the most dominant teams in Premier League history.
Key Insights
- Rodri’s contract runs until 2027; renewal talks are yet to be finalised.
- Real Madrid see him as their top central midfield target.
- City prepared to match Haaland’s salary to keep him.
- Emotional pull of Madrid could challenge City’s financial power.
What’s Next
Manchester City are eager to tie Rodri down with a landmark new deal before the 2026 World Cup, avoiding a scenario where his market value could dip or Real Madrid capitalise. Currently, Rodri earns approximately £220,000 per week, but City are prepared to offer him around £300,000 a week on a contract extended until 2029 — a figure that would position him among Europe’s highest‑paid midfielders
Should City break their wage structure to keep Rodri — or prepare for life without him?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 10 Aug 2025 12:08
He's gone, he won't extend and thats because Txiki left and probably Pep is going to leave as well in 2027 if im not mistaken.
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