Rodri undergoes successful back surgery as contract doubts grow at Manchester City

Rodri has had minor back surgery described by Manchester City as “simple and successful”, with the Spanish midfielder now set for a short rehabilitation period amid mounting uncertainty over his long-term future at the club.

City confirmed the 30-year-old had been struggling with back pain and discomfort for some time before medical staff decided surgery was the best option to resolve the issue. The Premier League champions say the procedure went well and that the player will immediately begin a brief recovery and conditioning programme.

The operation comes at a delicate moment for both club and player, with talks over a new contract having stalled and speculation increasing over a possible move away from Etihad Stadium.

Contract talks at an impasse

According to ESPN, the most likely scenario at present is that Rodri does not reach an agreement with Manchester City on extending his current deal, despite what are described as ongoing efforts by the club to secure his future.

City’s hierarchy opened negotiations with the Spain international several months ago, offering improved financial terms in a bid to persuade him to commit to a longer stay. However, Rodri has so far declined to accept any of the proposals put forward.

His reluctance to sign has complicated discussions and fuelled growing questions about his next step, with a number of Europe’s leading clubs monitoring the situation. Real Madrid are understood to be at the forefront of those tracking developments and are keen to sign the midfielder if an opportunity arises.

Rodri’s contract with Manchester City runs until the summer of 2027, but the lack of progress in talks has created a range of possible outcomes, particularly given the level of interest from elsewhere on the continent.

World Cup glory with Spain

Rodri heads into this period of uncertainty on the back of the greatest achievement of his international career. He lifted the World Cup with Spain after their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final played the Sunday before last.

That triumph has further enhanced his reputation as one of the outstanding midfielders in the world game, reinforcing the sense that he is entering the peak years of his career at both club and international level.

Central to City’s recent success

Since joining Manchester City, Rodri has become one of the most influential figures in Pep Guardiola’s squad and a cornerstone of the team’s dominance in England and Europe in recent seasons.

He has played a significant part in City’s haul of domestic and continental trophies, including helping the club win the Champions League. His performances were recognised individually when he claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2025, underlining his status as one of the elite central midfielders in world football.

Rodri has made 298 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 28 goals and providing 32 assists. His consistency, tactical intelligence and composure in possession have made him integral to the way City play, and any uncertainty over his future is likely to be of major concern to the club’s supporters.

For now, City’s priority is to oversee his smooth recovery from back surgery. But once he returns to fitness, attention is expected to turn swiftly back to his contract situation and whether one of the key players of the Guardiola era will commit to remaining at Etihad Stadium beyond 2027 or seek a new challenge, with Real Madrid and other European heavyweights waiting in the wings.