Manchester City are making swift moves to secure a long-term future for their midfield star, Rodri, by preparing an attractive new contract that they hope will fend off Real Madrid’s interest. Following his recent Ballon d’Or victory, City are optimistic about their chances of keeping the Spanish midfielder, who has been instrumental in their recent success. However, Real Madrid is reportedly planning a major bid in 2025 to lure Rodri back to Spain, adding pressure on City to finalize a deal sooner rather than later. With Rodri’s current contract running until 2027, the Cityzens have time but are keen to close any door Madrid may hope to enter through. The new deal would aim to highlight Manchester City’s position as a top contender for both domestic and European trophies, as well as a place where players can achieve individual honors on the global stage.
According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER and journalist Anton Meana, City have a proactive strategy dubbed the “anti-Real Madrid plan,” designed to keep Rodri at the Etihad for the foreseeable future. This approach reportedly includes a significant financial incentive and a focus on the role he plays in City’s continued dominance under Pep Guardiola. Guardiola, who expressed immense pride in Rodri’s Ballon d’Or achievement, has underscored how this individual accolade can serve as fuel for his midfielder to recover from a season-ending ACL injury and return with even greater motivation. “What can I say?! First of all, congratulations to Rodrigo and all his family and friends,” Guardiola said. “This is incredible news for him and, of course, for all of us, for all Manchester City and for all our fans! We are so proud of him! I hope this gives him the necessary energy to recover well for the next season and come back to us.”
Rodri’s success marks the first time a Manchester City player has won the Ballon d’Or and the first Premier League player to receive the honor since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. His win over Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior—a star player for Real Madrid—left the Spanish club frustrated. In a visible show of their disappointment, Real Madrid officials chose not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, intensifying speculation around their intentions to pursue Rodri aggressively. Real Madrid’s need for midfield restructuring adds urgency to their interest; rumors suggest that president Florentino Perez is contemplating parting ways with Aurelien Tchouameni, reportedly on the lookout for offers for the French midfielder.
Rodri’s journey at City has been marked by relentless success. Since joining in 2019 from Atletico Madrid, the 28-year-old has amassed four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, a Champions League title, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup. His contribution to City’s treble-winning season has made him a key figure within the club, and his new status as a Ballon d’Or winner has enhanced his appeal even further. City sees this recent accolade as a sign that he can achieve both collective and individual success without moving to one of Spain’s traditional powerhouses. Guardiola echoed this sentiment, stating that Rodri’s award should serve as a reminder to players like Erling Haaland that major personal honors are achievable without joining clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona.
“For us, last season, Haaland won the treble… scoring more than 50 goals, and I told him: ‘Just for being at the Ballon d’Or you should be very, very happy.’ And I think Rodri went there and all the time I told him the same: ‘If you are among the top two, three, or four, it’s exceptional. That means you have had an incredible year and you should be very, very satisfied,” Guardiola revealed.
Amid rumors of Real Madrid’s potential interest in Haaland, City remains keen to solidify their core team to sustain their position at the top of European football. However, it’s not only Madrid’s interest in Rodri that City needs to monitor; other stars, including Ruben Dias, have garnered interest across Europe, with some speculation suggesting a Premier League club might make a play for the Portuguese defender if City decides to cash in. In anticipation of such moves, City’s recruitment strategy for the upcoming summer reflects a balance between strengthening and future-proofing their squad. Sources have disclosed that Guardiola has set his sights on a revamped midfield, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala reportedly topping the shortlist.
City’s ambitions extend beyond the midfield. Ederson, City’s Brazilian goalkeeper, has attracted attention from wealthy Saudi clubs, raising questions about his future. Should he leave, Porto’s Diogo Costa is reported to be Guardiola’s preferred replacement, although the price tag on the Portuguese keeper would be substantial.
While City’s current focus is on securing Rodri’s future, the club’s recent track record indicates that they have no intention of halting their ambitious projects. With Rodri’s consistent form and presence a defining aspect of Guardiola’s system, the club’s commitment to extending his contract is as much a strategic priority as it is a testament to the player’s contribution. Rodri’s on-field intelligence, ball control, and presence in critical matches have cemented him as one of City’s irreplaceable players. His absence is noticeable; City has demonstrated different dynamics when playing with and without him, and Guardiola sees his Ballon d’Or win as a testament to the player’s role in City’s high-paced, dominant style.
Despite the shadow of Real Madrid’s interest, City appears confident that they can convince Rodri to remain committed to the Etihad, where he has blossomed into one of the world’s premier midfielders. The next few months will be pivotal, as City seeks to finalize Rodri’s contract, hoping to secure his influence as they aim for future triumphs on both domestic and international stages.