Manchester City have officially launched a defensive play to secure the long-term future of their midfield lynchpin, Rodri.
As of Friday, April 3, 2026, reports from Fabrizio Romano and other major outlets confirm that a formal contract proposal has been submitted to the Spanish international to ward off growing interest from Real Madrid.
The move comes at a critical juncture for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who has recently dropped several hints about a potential return to his homeland.
The Current Situation
While Rodri’s current contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until June 2027, City are desperate to avoid letting him enter the final two years of his deal without an extension.
- The Offer: The new proposal reportedly includes an “important” salary increase that would reflect his status as arguably the world’s best defensive midfielder.
- The Real Madrid Factor: The interest from the Santiago Bernabéu is described as “serious and concrete.” After the March international break, Rodri admitted to Spanish media that “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world,” fueling speculation that he is ready for a new challenge in La Liga.
- The “Family” Element: Crucially, the decision is not just a sporting one. Sources indicate that Rodri’s family is heavily involved in the discussions, with a potential return to Madrid—where he previously played for Atlético—being a significant draw for his personal life.
City’s Stance: Big Fee or Free?
The hierarchy at Manchester City has reportedly drawn a line in the sand regarding Rodri’s future:
- If he signs: He remains the pillar of the post-Bernardo Silva era.
- If he rejects the deal: City will not let him leave for a cut-price fee this summer. Instead, they would demand a “world-record fee for a midfielder” (likely exceeding £115 million) to consider a sale in 2026.
- The Free Agent Risk: If no agreement or sale is reached this summer, City faces the daunting prospect of Rodri leaving for free when his contract expires in 2027—a scenario they are determined to prevent.
A Midfield in Transition
With Bernardo Silva already confirmed to be leaving as a free agent this June and Casemiro exiting the red half of Manchester, the Premier League’s midfield landscape is shifting.
For City, losing Rodri in the same window as Silva would be a catastrophic blow to Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are reportedly weighing up whether to push for a blockbuster move now or play the long game and wait for Rodri to hit free agency in 2027, similar to their successful captures of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger.
