Rodri is close to renewing his million-dollar contract with Manchester City.

Manchester City is on the verge of securing one of the largest contracts in its history for Rodri, effectively quelling the persistent interest from Spanish giants, particularly Real Madrid. Although the Madrid powerhouse admires the Spanish defensive midfielder, no formal proposal has yet been made, paving the way for a lucrative renewal at the Etihad Stadium.

According to internal sources, officials at Manchester City have been working intensively on this matter for several weeks, with the official announcement of the contract extension becoming increasingly likely before the opening of the summer transfer market. This news is a real blow to European rivals and a significant morale boost for Pep Guardiola’s team, which is going through a crucial phase of the 2025/26 season.

Rodri, the “lung” of the City midfield, remains essential for the team even after some recent injuries that raised doubts about his on-field continuity. With the Premier League heating up in a titanic battle against Arsenal and preparations for the FA Cup final against Chelsea set for May 16, securing the continuity of their most influential player is a top priority for sporting director Hugo Viana.

During months, Rodri’s name has been linked to a possible return to Spain, especially with Real Madrid searching for a definitive successor for their core midfield. The player himself hinted at the possibility of a move earlier this year. However, Rodri’s strategic importance to the Manchester City project is undeniable: he was the foundation of the team’s dominance during the historic Treble-winning season and in their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

The desire of City to substantially improve the conditions for their star reflects his position as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and even as a potential captain in the future, at a time when senior figures like John Stones and Bernardo Silva are preparing to leave the club during the summer.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the interest from Real Madrid has cooled, and there has been no official contact with Manchester City to negotiate the signing of the Spanish international. The decision regarding Rodri’s future is now described as “imminent,” with negotiations in Manchester progressing well to secure the player’s stay “for at least another year” in the Premier League.

This acceleration in talks is a clear sign of Manchester City’s management’s determination to ensure leadership and experience for the future. In a summer that promises a significant overhaul with the confirmed departures of Stones and Bernardo Silva, securing Rodri means ensuring tactical continuity and stability in a team that cannot afford to lose its main axis.

For Pep Guardiola, securing Rodri’s future is essential to keep the team’s full focus on competitions, ensuring that the legacy of departing idols is honored and perpetuated by the Spanish midfielder, who continues to be the beating heart of the City midfield. The countdown to the official announcement has already begun and promises to shake up the market. Manchester City is preparing to safeguard its most precious diamond – and the football world is watching!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.