Rodri future hangs in balance as Barcelona challenge Real Madrid for Manchester City star

Manchester City are determined to keep Rodri and will only consider selling the Spain midfielder if they fail to agree a new contract with him, according to reports in England.

Rodri’s current deal runs until 2027, but his future has become one of the major issues of the summer transfer window after Barcelona emerged as a serious rival to Real Madrid for his signature.

Real Madrid had been regarded for some time as the leading candidates to sign Rodri, who is understood to be keen on returning to Spain after several years at Manchester City. However, negotiations with the Spanish club have stalled, allowing Barcelona to move from observers to direct competitors in the race.

Reports cited by Mundo Deportivo say the English media, particularly in Manchester, view Rodri’s possible departure as a major blow to City. He is regarded as one of the central figures in the club’s system and one of the best midfielders in world football, while his influence on the team is considered difficult to replace.

According to Manchester Evening News, City do not want to sell Rodri and will only open the door to a transfer if they cannot reach an agreement over an extension. The club’s priority remains persuading him to stay and commit his future to them.

The same report says Rodri remains an indispensable part of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans. However, other reports suggest City could be forced to enter negotiations if the player makes clear that he wants to leave. His potential transfer fee has been placed at about £60m, which is close to €70m.

Barcelona’s interest has been highlighted by several English outlets, including The Guardian, talkSPORT and Sky Sports. Those reports say the Catalan club has taken advantage of the deadlock between Rodri and Real Madrid and has made a strong move for the midfielder.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco are reported to have held discussions with Rodri in an effort to convince him to join the club. Barcelona are now considered serious contenders, having previously been behind Real Madrid in the race.

talkSPORT described the development with the headline: “Rodri to Real Madrid deal in danger as rival attempts to hijack move”.

City consider contingency plans

Despite their desire to retain Rodri, Manchester Evening News reports that City have started examining possible replacements in case the midfielder leaves.

A number of names have reportedly been placed on the club’s list of potential options, including Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson, as well as Mateo Kovacic and Nico Gonzalez. The planning is intended to ensure City are prepared for any change in Rodri’s situation.

Keeping Rodri remains the club’s preferred outcome because of the difficulty of finding a player capable of reproducing his role and influence. City are not expected to turn to the transfer market unless his departure becomes unavoidable.

Sky Sports has adopted a more cautious stance on the situation. The network says Barcelona’s interest is genuine, but also stresses that City are still working to retain Rodri and that the final decision will rest with the player.

Sky Sports believes losing Rodri would represent one of the biggest sporting challenges Enzo Maresca has faced since taking charge of the team. His importance to City means replacing his contribution would be particularly difficult.

BBC Sport has stopped short of suggesting that a transfer is close and has recalled that Rodri previously indicated he wanted to decide his future after the World Cup.

Sky Sports News has likewise described Rodri as perhaps the hardest player for City to replace, explaining why the club remains firmly opposed to selling him and is reluctant to encourage approaches from elsewhere.