- Rodri linked with move away from Man City
- Club want him to stay
- Midfielder gives update on future
Rodri has been asked about his plans for next season, and his answer is not what Manchester City supporters want to hear.
Saturday was an emotional day for Man City which went beyond the usual feelings that come with lifting the FA Cup.
It was the last time Bernardo Silva and John Stones will represent the Sky Blues in a final at Wembley Stadium.
Both players will be leaving Man City in the summer, and there could be a few more exits on the horizon before the transfer window slams shut in August.
Rodri offers update on Man City future
Another player to have been linked with an exit is Man City’s Ballon d’Or winning midfielder, despite the fact he is going to be offered a new contract.
Rodri’s current deal expires next year, and he has been asked about his plans for next season, after City’s FA Cup final win.
“I’m calm,” he told the media. “As I said a while ago, I’m only thinking about my club, about finishing the season with as many titles as possible.
“We have the chance to win the Premier League and then the World Cup [with Spain]. Right now, I’m not thinking much about my future. I’ll be honest with you because there’s another priority.”
Man City are not ready to lose Rodri
Whenever Rodri has been out with an injury, he has never been given much time to warm back into things upon his return.
This was certainly the case on Saturday, as the Spaniard was named in the starting lineup, despite missin four successive matches because of his groin problem.
The 29-year-old is still an essential part of Man City’s midfield, and Silva’s impending departure is yet another reason why he is still needed.
Silva himself recently pinpointed the transition at City as the reason they might miss out on the Premier League title.
Should Rodri depart, that would cause another season of adapting to changes, which would affect the club’s likelihood of instant success.
Rodri’s destiny is in his own hands
If Man City have not yet offered Rodri a new contract, they need to get that sorted as soon as possible. In fact, it should be done already.
However, Rodri will have the final say on his future. If he decides to leave, there is nothing the Citizens can do to stop him.
This situation could lead to a summer sale, ensuring City secure a transfer fee for the Spanish international.
Alternatively, he could be kept for one final season. Even if Rodri sees his future elsewhere, he would likely have the professionalism to see out his current deal without complaining.
Whatever happens, Man City have to be in the market for new midfielders. Silva will be gone soon enough, and Pep Guardiola seemingly lacks faith in his backup options, otherwise they would be starting games more consistently.
