Rodri Keeps Man City on Edge as Real Madrid Circles Their Star Midfielder

Rodri is reportedly hesitant about accepting a new contract extension from Manchester City as Real Madrid continues to show interest in acquiring his services.

Madrid are actively seeking a new central midfielder to replace the tempo-controlling role previously filled by Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, who departed in consecutive summers. While considering costly options such as Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, sources suggest that Rodri remains the top long-term priority for incoming Madrid manager Xabi Alonso and several key club executives.

Recognizing Madrid's pursuit, City are preparing to present a substantial new deal to Rodri, which would potentially make him the club's second-highest paid player, trailing only Erling Haaland should he agree to the terms.

According to AS, Rodri is aware of the incoming proposal but remains uncertain about signing an agreement that would likely eliminate any opportunity to join Madrid during his peak years.

Reports suggest that City leadership are becoming increasingly concerned about Rodri's reluctance to commit to his future, with sources indicating there is now a "genuine possibility" that the Ballon d'Or recipient could depart the club soon.

A departure this summer appears highly unlikely, but Madrid's strategy for Rodri has consistently involved waiting until 2026, when he enters his contract's final year. City understands they cannot afford to lose the 29-year-old as a free agent and may be compelled to reduce their valuation.

City are prepared to act swiftly to prevent such a scenario from developing. The expectation is that Rodri, who is currently recovering from injury, will eventually choose to accept their contract proposal and continue as a crucial component of Pep Guardiola's system, which would eliminate all speculation since Madrid are unwilling to pay a premium fee for the Spain midfielder.

Madrid have established themselves in recent years as masters of influencing players in the transfer window. Los Blancos are renowned for encouraging their targets to run down their contracts and secure bargain moves to the Santiago Bernabéu, and alongside Rodri, are reportedly already implementing this strategy while searching for defensive reinforcements.

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté, whose deal expires in 2026, is becoming a primary target, while Arsenal's William Saliba has attempted to dismiss speculation about a potential free transfer in 2027.