Pep Guardiola has made it clear he wants Manchester City to tie down midfield star Rodri to a new contract, stressing the Spaniard’s importance to the club’s present and future.
Since arriving from Atletico Madrid, Rodri has grown into one of Guardiola’s most influential signings. The holding midfielder has been central to City’s sustained success, playing a key role in four consecutive Premier League titles and their historic treble-winning campaign that included UEFA Champions League glory.
His consistency for both club and country was recognised in 2024 when he claimed the Ballon d’Or, a milestone that underlined his status among the world’s elite midfielders.
However, the period following that peak has been challenging. Rodri suffered an ACL injury early last season and, after returning, endured further fitness setbacks that disrupted his rhythm and limited his availability.
Those injury struggles briefly raised questions about his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium.
In recent weeks, though, the midfielder has shown encouraging signs of returning to his best level, a development that has pleased Guardiola and reinforced the manager’s desire to secure his future.
Speaking about Rodri’s situation, Guardiola emphasised how vital the Spaniard is to the team, highlighting his intelligence, experience and the sense of control he brings whenever he is on the pitch.
The City boss admitted he would “love” the midfielder to commit to fresh terms, describing him as a player whose presence immediately improves the side.
🚨💙 Pep Guardiola: “I’d LOVE Rodri to sign a new deal at Man City, desperately”.
“Rodri is Rodri; a player with as much age as he has, wisdom, understanding. There are players when they’re on the pitch, we feel better. Rodri is one”. pic.twitter.com/t4JO3dka1U
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2026
Rodri’s current contract runs until 2027, meaning there is no immediate urgency, but uncertainty has attracted interest from elsewhere.
Real Madrid are among the clubs reported to be monitoring his situation closely, with the Spanish giants long-time admirers of the midfielder.
Despite that external interest, Rodri is believed to be happy in Manchester and is not pushing for a move away.
Instead, attention is expected to shift toward contract discussions, with reports suggesting City will resume talks in the near future.
For Manchester City, extending Rodri’s deal would represent more than a routine renewal. It would secure the long-term presence of a player widely viewed as the tactical heartbeat of Guardiola’s system.
If negotiations progress smoothly and Rodri maintains his upward trajectory after injury, a new agreement could become one of the club’s most important decisions as they plan for the next phase of their squad.
