City are preparing for decisive talks with Rodri over his long-term future, with the outcome expected to shape the club’s approach to the remainder of the summer transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, City are set to hold discussions with the Spain international over whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond the final year of his current contract, amid continued interest from Real Madrid.
The report claims sporting director Hugo Viana is keen to resolve the situation sooner rather than later, with City reluctant to allow uncertainty over one of their most influential players to continue into the new season.
TEAMtalk adds that Rodri is “keeping an open mind” over his future after previously insisting he would not discuss his club situation until Spain’s World Cup campaign had concluded. Speaking during the tournament, the 29-year-old said:
“When the World Cup is over, we’ll see. Now is not the time to talk about that.”
Real Madrid’s long-standing admiration for Rodri is well documented, and the European champions are understood to be monitoring developments closely as they weigh up a move for one of the world’s leading holding midfielders.
For City, however, the significance extends beyond one player.
The club have already been linked with Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi as they look to strengthen their midfield options, but Rodri’s future could determine the urgency and scale of any further business in that area. While Bouaddi is viewed as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, he would represent a long-term investment rather than a direct replacement for City’s midfield lynchpin.
Securing Rodri to a new contract would provide stability as Enzo Maresca prepares for his first full campaign in charge. Failure to reach an agreement, meanwhile, would leave City facing the prospect of entering the final year of one of their most important player’s contract with speculation over his future unlikely to disappear.
The coming weeks, therefore, could prove just as important off the pitch as they are on it.
