Despite flirting with Real Madrid over the international break, Rodri has reportedly been offered a new contract by Manchester City.
The Madrid-native turned heads over the last two weeks when he admitted the “door is not closed” on a potential transfer to the Bernabéu. Rodri voiced his desire to one day return to Spain and play in La Liga, all but offering himself to the 15-time Champions League winners.
The comments left many fans back in Manchester unsettled, considering the midfielder is under contract with City through June 2027. Yet it seems the wheels are already in motion to lock down Rodri’s future in a sky blue shirt—at least from the club’s perspective.
According to Fabrizio Romano, City have already handed a new deal to the 29-year-old. Now, the decision lies with Rodri on whether he wants to sign on the dotted line and extend his stay at the Etihad, or perhaps explore what would be a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid.
What Happens If Rodri Says No to City’s New Proposal?
Should Rodri reject the reported extension from City, there are only two possible avenues for his future: leave Manchester this summer or fulfill his current contract and then leave as a free agent next summer.
If the Spaniard opts for the first option, then City will certainly not let him go for cheap. Romano reports the English outfit would ask for a “big fee” for Rodri despite the player’s recent fitness woes and plateaued form.
A hefty price tag could dissuade Real Madrid from taking action at the end of the 2025–26 season. The club’s transfer strategy over the last few years has been rooted in signing high-profile free agents, waiting until stars are out of contract before bringing them to the Bernabéu.
Sure, the Spanish giants are not afraid to splash some cash for a player they desire, but doing so for an aging midfielder with a history of injury struggles would not exactly be a wise move from Real, who were no doubt hoping to use Rodri’s slight decline to barter a better price.
Real Madrid Could Look Elsewhere for a Superstar Midfielder
Rodri was not the only Premier League player singing Real Madrid’s praises this international break. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández expressed his desire to live in Spain, specifically Madrid, amid a trying time at Stamford Bridge.
The comments, which fanned the flames of growing transfer rumors surrounding the Argentine, were not taken well by manager Liam Rosenior and the club’s hierarchy. Fernández was subsequently dropped for Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Should the situation in west London devolve further, Fernández could eye a move to the Bernabéu, giving Real Madrid an alternative to Rodri. The Spanish giants would need to shell out a blockbuster fee, much more than what they would pay for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, but they might not mind if it means getting what is a dream target in a white shirt.
