Man City transfer news: Rodri contract 'decision' made as Pep Guardiola fears Real Madrid interest in summer

Manchester City are reported to have offered Rodri a new contract in order to fend off interest from Real Madrid this summer.

The Citizens will take on Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday in their first game back after the conclusion of the international break.

City could win all three domestic competitions this season, but if they are to hunt down Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, they will need star players like Rodri to be at their best.

The Spaniard has endured a mixed campaign on the pitch, and there has been some speculation that links to Real Madrid have impacted his performances.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Rodri has been offered a new deal, but if he was to reject the contract extension, the club would either ask for a large sum this summer or allow him to leave when his current deal expires in 2027.

Rodri to Real Madrid: Should Manchester City sell midfielder?

Rodri was arguably the best player in the world in 2023-24 given he was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2024 but he has struggled to reach the same heights this season.

Pep Guardiola's star midfielder suffered a serious knee injury in September 2024, and while he made his comeback in May 2025, he struggled with fitness issues in the early parts of 2025-26.

City have asked him to cover much larger distances this term than he did in previous years at the Etihad, and it is understandable that he has at times encountered difficulties considering he is likely still recovering his match sharpness following his knee problems.

Rodri will be 30 in June, and though there are a number of examples of midfielders excelling despite being in their thirties, there is a strong argument that his best is behind him.

Is Elliot Anderson a replacement for Rodri?

City have consistently been linked with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has demonstrated immense potential in and out of possession.

While the 23-year-old could operate in deeper areas of the pitch, adding him to the team alongside Rodri may help to cover for some of the Spaniard's weaknesses.

If the Citizens manage to keep Rodri and sign Anderson, then the duo would complement each other, and they may be able to form a formidable partnership.