Rodri facing back surgery as Man City contract stalemate deepens amid Real Madrid interest

Spain captain Rodri will undergo back surgery with no clear date for his return, intensifying uncertainty over his future at Manchester City as contract renewal talks stall.

The Athletic reported that the 28-year-old midfielder, who captains both Spain and City, is set to have an operation to address a back injury, with the timetable for his comeback described as “unknown”.

The development comes just days after Rodri lifted the World Cup with Spain following a 1-0 victory over Argentina on Sunday, further underlining his status as one of the most influential players in world football.

Contract talks hit impasse

According to ESPN, the most likely scenario at present is that Rodri does not reach an agreement to extend his contract with Manchester City, despite what are described as sustained efforts from the Premier League champions.

City’s hierarchy began discussions with the midfielder several months ago in an attempt to secure his long-term future, tabling a series of improved financial offers to persuade him to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the reports say Rodri has so far declined to approve any of the proposals presented, a stance that has complicated negotiations and fuelled speculation that he could seek a move away.

His current deal with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027, but the lack of progress on fresh terms is understood to have opened the door to multiple possibilities regarding his next step.

Real Madrid among leading suitors

The uncertainty has alerted several of Europe’s leading clubs, with Real Madrid named as one of the main contenders monitoring the situation closely.

Rodri’s combination of tactical intelligence, physical presence and technical quality has made him one of the most coveted midfielders in the modern game, and interest is expected to intensify if his contract impasse continues.

City, for their part, are reported to be keen to avoid losing one of their core players and are likely to continue attempts to reach a breakthrough once his medical situation becomes clearer.

Cornerstone for club and country

Since joining Manchester City, Rodri has become a central figure in Pep Guardiola’s side, playing a pivotal role in a period of sustained success domestically and in Europe.

He has helped the club to multiple major honours, including the Champions League, and was instrumental in City’s dominance in recent seasons.

Individually, Rodri’s performances have been recognised at the highest level. He won the 2025 Ballon d’Or, confirming his status as one of the standout midfielders in world football.

For City, his importance is underlined by his numbers: he has made 298 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists from midfield.

Surgery adds new layer of uncertainty

The decision to proceed with back surgery adds another layer of complexity to Rodri’s situation.

While no timeline has been put on his recovery, his absence – whether short or long term – would be a significant blow to both City and Spain, given his influence in controlling games and providing defensive stability.

The coming months are likely to be crucial, as City await clarity on his fitness while continuing to push for a contract resolution, and Europe’s elite – led by Real Madrid – watch closely for any sign that one of the world’s top midfielders could be prised away from the Etihad.