With Real Madrid circling, Manchester City prepares a bold new contract for Rodri—determined not to lose their midfield general to the giants

In what is shaping up to be one of the defining storylines of the summer transfer window, Manchester City are making urgent moves to secure the future of their midfield heartbeat, Rodri. As Real Madrid continue to show interest in the Spanish star, City are reportedly preparing a record-breaking new contract aimed at keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2029.

The 28-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation, has just completed a season that was, by his standards, bittersweet. While injuries interrupted his rhythm, his importance to Pep Guardiola’s system remained undisputed—and Manchester City know that losing Rodri could trigger a crisis in their core.

Rodri has already etched his name in the club’s history books, famously scoring the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final. That strike not only delivered City’s first-ever European crown but also solidified Rodri’s reputation as a clutch performer. It’s this consistency in the biggest moments that has caught the attention of Real Madrid, who are now lurking with intent.

According to Mirror Sport, City are not taking the threat lightly. Talks that have been in progress for nearly a year have now intensified. The club are offering Rodri a lucrative long-term deal that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. Reports suggest the proposed contract could elevate his weekly wages from £200,000 to over £300,000.

If Rodri accepts the deal, he would become Manchester City’s second-highest earner, just behind superstar striker Erling Haaland. More importantly, the contract would signal City’s commitment to keeping their strongest assets amid growing pressure from European heavyweights like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The new contract discussions come on the heels of Rodri’s return from a long-term injury. He suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in September, a devastating blow that saw him miss most of the season. Despite this setback, he made a late-season comeback, appearing off the bench in the penultimate Premier League fixture and looking surprisingly sharp.

City’s medical team has been amazed at the speed of his recovery. Initially ruled out until mid-2025, Rodri returned months ahead of schedule. He is now expected to start in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where City will hope to add yet another trophy to their expanding cabinet.

While City remain confident of securing Rodri’s signature, the shadow of Real Madrid looms large. Los Blancos have long admired the Spaniard, who started his professional journey at Atlético Madrid. For Real, poaching a star from their city rivals would be symbolic as well as strategic. With veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos nearing the end, Madrid are scouting Europe’s best midfielders to secure the next generation.

Rodri fits their profile perfectly—Spanish, experienced, calm under pressure, and tactically brilliant. He would slot into any midfield three without disruption, providing balance, vision, and defensive solidity. And with Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni already in their ranks, adding Rodri would give Real Madrid arguably the most complete midfield trio in world football.

But Manchester City are not standing still. In addition to Rodri’s contract, the Premier League champions are also looking to bolster their midfield with new signings. AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders is on the verge of completing a £60 million switch to the Etihad, while Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is being courted in a £35 million deal.

These signings aren’t just about squad depth—they’re also contingency planning. Pep Guardiola knows that the future of his midfield may hinge on more than just contracts. Injuries, form, and external offers all play a role, and City want to ensure they aren’t left vulnerable if Rodri chooses to move on.

The timing of these developments couldn’t be more crucial. With the team preparing for pre-season and a trip to the United States, securing Rodri’s future would provide stability ahead of a demanding 2025/26 campaign. The club’s ambitions remain sky-high, and keeping their midfield general is central to those goals.

For Rodri, the decision will not be simple. He is a key figure at Manchester City and has developed under one of the greatest managers in football history. However, the allure of returning to Spain and joining Real Madrid, especially at the peak of his powers, is hard to ignore.

Sources close to the player suggest that Rodri is grateful for his time in England but is seriously considering all his options. He is not expected to rush a decision, particularly as he assesses his role in City’s future plans and the new arrivals set to compete for midfield minutes.

If Rodri signs the proposed contract, it would mark another significant win for Manchester City’s board, reinforcing their ability to retain world-class talent. If he doesn’t, the Premier League giants may find themselves facing a bidding war next summer—one where Real Madrid, with their history, prestige, and Champions League pull, will be tough to resist.

The coming weeks will be decisive. For now, Manchester City fans can remain hopeful, but the interest from Real Madrid is very real—and they have a history of getting what they want.