Rodri’s story at Manchester City has always been one of calm power and quiet dominance. He is the man who doesn’t always shout, doesn’t always gesture wildly on the pitch, but when he moves, Manchester City move with him. When he passes, the whole system breathes. When he is absent, you can feel the pulse of Pep Guardiola’s team slow down. That is how important Rodri has become to the champions of England and Europe. And now, as City push to secure their long-term future, their main focus is clear—Rodri must be tied down again. The new contract, the fresh commitment, the renewed promise. Manchester City are confident it will happen before the new year arrives.
For over a year, quiet conversations have taken place behind the scenes. Pep Guardiola, the board, the sporting directors, and even a few trusted players all knew this was coming. Rodri, the beating heart of their midfield, has entered the stage of his career where every decision matters. His current deal runs until 2027, but City want to push it even further, adding more years, more protection, and more peace of mind. The message from the Etihad is simple—they want Rodri to retire in sky blue.
Talks between Manchester City and Rodri’s representatives have been ongoing for more than twelve months. It has been a long journey, not because of disagreements, but because Rodri himself wanted to take his time. When the season began, he suffered an ACL injury in September—a shock to both him and the club. For a man who rarely misses games, it was a painful period. City had to move on without their midfield anchor, and the difference was clear to everyone watching. They were not the same team. Pep Guardiola even admitted after one match, “Rodri gives us stability that no one else can.” During this time, Rodri focused on one thing—recovering. Contract talks could wait; his fitness could not.
While he was recovering, City were not standing still. The club’s new sporting director, Hugo Viana, was quietly working behind the curtain. One by one, key players were called in for discussions about their futures. Erling Haaland extended his deal, sealing his loyalty to Pep’s project. Ruben Dias followed, reaffirming his bond with the blue side of Manchester. The young talents Nico O’Reilly, Savinho, and Rico Lewis all signed new contracts, ensuring that the next generation of Manchester City remains united under one vision. The message was clear—City are building not just for today but for tomorrow. And now, it is Rodri’s turn.
Sources close to both parties have confirmed that fresh talks have begun. Both sides are positive, and there is no sign of conflict. The will is there, the trust is there, and the belief is strong that a new agreement will be reached before January. City want Rodri to stay beyond 2027, perhaps until 2030 or even longer. They want him to lead a new era of dominance, standing beside Haaland and Foden as the backbone of the next Manchester City dynasty.
This is not just about money or prestige. For Rodri, it is about belonging. Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he has grown from a talented midfielder into arguably the most complete defensive midfielder in world football. He controls games like a chess master, reading patterns before anyone else sees them. His pass accuracy, positioning, and calmness under pressure make him irreplaceable. That is why, even when Real Madrid tried to test the waters last summer, City didn’t even flinch. Their response was immediate and firm—Rodri is not for sale at any price.
Manchester City understand the value of stability. They know what happened when key players left in the past—when Yaya Touré, David Silva, and Sergio Agüero moved on. Each departure left a small hole that took time to fill. But in Rodri’s case, the hole would be enormous. There is no one in the current squad or the transfer market who can replicate what he does. That’s why Pep Guardiola often calls him the “brain of the team.”
The new contract talks are being handled carefully. There is no rush, but there is urgency. The club want it done before January, mainly to avoid distractions during the second half of the season. They believe having Rodri’s deal sealed will send a message—not just to the rest of the Premier League, but to Europe. A message that Manchester City’s core is locked in, and the dynasty is safe.
Rodri’s representatives have also been calm. They know the player’s value has skyrocketed after winning the Champions League and Ballon d’Or recognition. But they also know that City treat their key players well. His current salary is already among the best in the squad, but the new deal will likely make him one of the top earners alongside Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Still, money is not the main point here. For Rodri, it’s about being respected as the foundation of Guardiola’s system.
Behind the scenes, there’s another storyline quietly developing—Phil Foden’s new contract. Just like Rodri, City want to finish Foden’s deal before January too. The young Englishman has grown into one of the most valuable assets in world football, and the club want to secure his long-term future before any external interest grows stronger. Talks with Foden began earlier this month during the international break, and sources say they went very well. Foden is happy at City, deeply connected to the fans, and fully aware that Pep sees him as the future leader once players like De Bruyne eventually step aside.
Graeme Bailey, TBR Football’s chief correspondent, explained it perfectly: “City are now working on Rodri’s new deal – he is back from injury and things are progressing, I am told. Rodri is a huge piece in the City jigsaw, as they want the spine of the team tied down. Donnarumma came in on a long-term deal, Dias and Haaland re-signed, and now they are confident Rodri will follow.”
Bailey’s words echo what every Manchester City insider knows—Pep Guardiola’s entire tactical identity is built on a few key players. The spine is everything. Donnarumma provides stability in goal. Dias commands the back line. Rodri protects and dictates the midfield. Haaland destroys at the front. And Foden adds creativity and future leadership. Once these players are secured, City can move into the next chapter of their evolution.
For Hugo Viana, this is his first big test as sporting director. Since arriving at City, he has brought structure, focus, and an eye for detail. Viana’s method is patient but strategic—get the key renewals done, then go for the necessary upgrades in areas like full-back and midfield depth. City fans have already seen his influence in the summer window, where every signing looked well planned rather than rushed. And now, his attention is locked on Rodri.
Inside the Etihad, the feeling is optimistic. Pep Guardiola reportedly told close staff that he wants Rodri to stay for the rest of his managerial time in England. Pep has always trusted Rodri more than anyone else in the squad when it comes to game control. Even when the team struggles, Pep believes Rodri’s calmness brings balance. During the Champions League final against Inter Milan in 2023, it was Rodri who scored the decisive goal—a moment that not only won City their first European crown but also immortalized his place in club history.
That goal, that calm strike into the corner, was the symbol of Rodri’s influence. He is not flashy. He is not a media star. But he wins games with intelligence, not chaos. His journey from Spain to England has been one of consistency and evolution. Every year, he gets better. Every season, he adds something new—leadership, timing, tactical sharpness. And that’s what City value most.
The new contract will likely include bonuses for major trophies and individual awards. City’s board understand that Rodri’s name is now regularly mentioned in Ballon d’Or discussions, and they want to recognize that. Some reports suggest that City may even make him vice-captain next season, once the current leadership reshuffle takes shape.
As for Real Madrid’s interest, City’s position remains solid. Sources have told TBR Football that “any interest from Real Madrid is not being considered in contract talks.” That means even if Madrid make another approach in 2026 or 2027, City will not entertain it. They want Rodri to be the foundation of their next era, not a player they have to replace.
The plan for the rest of the year is clear—finalize Rodri’s renewal, complete Foden’s new contract, and then look ahead to potential squad improvements. Pep Guardiola wants to focus purely on football once 2026 begins. He doesn’t want distractions about futures or speculations about exits. City’s stability has always come from their planning, and this is another example of that.
For the fans, Rodri’s renewal would mean reassurance. Every time he steps onto the pitch, there’s a feeling of calm. They know he will handle the pressure, no matter the opponent. When he’s not there, the midfield often feels shaky. That’s why his contract talks have become such a big story—it’s not just paperwork; it’s about preserving the heartbeat of a team that’s aiming to dominate for another decade.
Rodri’s injury recovery is also going well. He has returned to light training and is expected to make his full return soon. His focus, as always, is on helping City chase more silverware. The club is still competing in all fronts—the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. Having Rodri back for the crucial winter period could be the difference between another treble push and a disappointing campaign. Pep Guardiola knows it. The players know it. Even the rivals know it.
The renewal talks have given fans hope that Rodri is not going anywhere soon. In an era where footballers often move for new challenges, Rodri’s loyalty feels refreshing. He has never been the kind to chase attention. His relationship with the fans is quiet but deep. They respect him not for words, but for what he does every week—controlling games, protecting the back line, and keeping the tempo alive.
If City can secure Rodri and Foden before January, it will send a powerful message to the rest of Europe. It will mean that Manchester City’s dynasty is not ending anytime soon. It will show that the club’s foundation remains untouched by rumors, injuries, or temptations from abroad. Pep Guardiola’s empire continues to grow, and Rodri stands at its center.
For now, all eyes are on the negotiations. But inside Manchester City, there is no panic, no drama—only confidence. They believe Rodri’s new contract will be signed, sealed, and announced before the turn of the year. And when that happens, it will be more than just another press release—it will be a statement of strength. A message that says Manchester City are not only champions of today but architects of tomorrow.
Because Rodri is not just a player. He is Manchester City’s rhythm, their calm in the storm, their silent commander. And for Pep Guardiola, keeping him is not an option—it is a necessity. As one insider said quietly this week, “Losing Rodri is like losing the soul of this team.” That’s why every effort is being made, every detail discussed, every clause examined. The mission is clear: secure the future, keep the core, and build the next dynasty around the man who never panics, never complains, and never fails.
Manchester City are moving like a machine again, precise and confident. Their next big victory might not come on the pitch, but in the boardroom—when Rodri signs that paper and extends his loyalty to the blue half of Manchester once more. And when that happens, the entire Etihad will breathe easy, knowing that their heartbeat continues to beat strong, steady, and blue
