Manchester City will soon resume talks with 29-year-old Spanish international Rodri over a new contract amid his links with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Barcelona and Real Madrid are interested in Rodri. The two La Liga giants are keen on reinforcing their first-team squads by signing a holding midfielder in one of the next two transfer windows. So, the 29-year-old Manchester City star has emerged as a target for them.
However, Manchester City will aim to ward off the two La Liga giants, as they will open talks with the Spaniard’s entourage over a new contract. The two parties are “open to signing an extension” but will wait until the summer to discuss fresh terms. With Hugo Viana having the player’s future “firmly in his plans” for the long haul, Barcelona and Real Madrid are in a spot of bother.
How has Rodri fared at Manchester City?
Rodri has established himself as one of the world’s best players since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £62.8 million in July 2019. The 29-year-old has made significant progress in the last half a dozen years, having been a mainstay in the middle of the park for his club and country. Additionally, the player reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
The Spanish international has made over 250 appearances thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with 27 goals and 32 assists. Meanwhile, the experienced midfielder’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several European bigwigs. Barcelona and Real Madrid will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature this year.
La Liga return on the horizon?
Rodri has been on Real Madrid’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric have left a gaping hole in the midfield unit at the Santiago Bernabeu. So, while new Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has players who can essay multiple roles, his team lacks progression from the middle of the park.
As for Barcelona, the Catalan club’s interest in the Manchester City midfielder is surprising. Hansi Flick has a stacked midfield unit, and he does not need a new midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old Spaniard has emerged as a target for Barcelona.
Meanwhile, the latest update has revealed that Manchester City will hold talks with Rodri’s entourage over a new deal this summer to ward off Barcelona and Real Madrid. Recent reports have claimed that City will aim to secure an agreement with the Spanish midfielder over a new contract. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the former Ballon d’Or winner.
