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Despite his flirtation with Real Madrid during the international break, Rodri has reportedly been presented with a new contract offer by Manchester City.
The Madrid-born star sparked widespread attention over the past two weeks after admitting the "door is not closed" on a potential move to the Bernabéu. Rodri openly expressed his wish to eventually return to Spain and compete in La Liga, essentially putting himself on the radar of the 15-time Champions League champions.
The remarks left many Manchester supporters uneasy, given that the midfielder remains under contract with City until June 2027. Nevertheless, it appears the club has already taken steps to secure Rodri's long-term future in a sky blue jersey.
According to Fabrizio Romano, City have already presented a fresh deal to the 29-year-old. The ball is now in Rodri's court — he must decide whether to put pen to paper and extend his time at the Etihad, or pursue what would be a sensational transfer to Real Madrid.
What Happens If Rodri Says No to City's New Proposal?
If Rodri turns down the reported extension from City, only two paths remain for his future: depart Manchester this summer or see out his existing deal and leave on a free transfer the following summer.
Should the Spaniard choose the former, City will certainly not part with him on the cheap. Romano reports the English club would demand a "big fee" for Rodri, despite the player's recent injury concerns and dip in form.
A steep asking price could deter Real Madrid from making a move at the end of the 2025–26 season. The club's recruitment approach in recent years has been built around signing top-tier free agents, patiently waiting until players' contracts expire before bringing them to the Bernabéu.
While the Spanish giants are not averse to spending big on a target they covet, doing so for an aging midfielder with a recurring injury history would hardly be a shrewd decision from Real, who were likely counting on Rodri's recent decline to negotiate a more favorable price.
Real Madrid Could Look Elsewhere for a Superstar Midfielder
Rodri was not the only Premier League player to publicly admire Real Madrid during the international break. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández revealed his desire to live in Spain — Madrid in particular — during what has been a turbulent spell at Stamford Bridge.
The remarks, which intensified swirling transfer speculation around the Argentine, did not go down well with manager Liam Rosenior or the club's leadership. Fernández was subsequently left out of Chelsea's upcoming matches against Port Vale in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Should the situation in west London deteriorate further, Fernández could set his sights on a move to the Bernabéu, offering Real Madrid a viable alternative to Rodri. The Spanish club would need to pay a substantial fee — considerably more than what they would spend on the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner — but that may not be a concern if it means landing a dream target in a white shirt.