Pep Guardiola says Manchester City expect Rodri to sign a new contract despite the midfielder describing Real Madrid as “tough to turn down.” City have tabled fresh terms as Rodri approaches the final year of his deal, while Guardiola also defended Phil Foden amid a dip in form ahead of England’s World Cup selection.
City confident Rodri will stay amid Madrid talk
Manchester City have made a clear play to retain Rodri, offering fresh terms as the Spain international enters the final year of his contract. Pep Guardiola publicly expressed belief the 29-year-old will sign, even after Rodri admitted Real Madrid would be an attractive option.
Guardiola framed the club’s stance simply: “They informed me what they want from Rodri - it is to stay, stay, stay.” That message underlines City’s priority to protect the midfield axis that has driven their recent success.
What Guardiola said
Guardiola balanced realism with confidence, acknowledging the pull of Madrid while insisting Rodri remains committed. “There is not one player who will turn down the chance to play for Madrid,” he said, but added: “I think he is happy. If he is not happy just knock on the door of the sporting director… accept an offer according to his incredible quality and after that he don’t belong to the club.”
The manager also noted a recent uptick in Rodri’s performances: “Now I have the feeling over the last one or two games that he’s really back.”
Why this matters for Manchester City
Keeping Rodri is more than a headline contract story; it’s central to City’s balance. Rodri’s role as the deep-lying pivot dictates shape, tempo and transition. Losing him would force tactical adjustments and potentially trigger a scramble for a player of similar profile — a difficult and costly ask in the current market.
The contract offer signals Manchester City are prepared to prioritise continuity over short-term disruption, reinforcing Pep’s preference for a settled spine as they chase more domestic and European silverware.
How realistic is a Madrid move?
Interest from Real Madrid in elite midfielders is perennial and understandable. But Guardiola’s public optimism — combined with City’s proactive negotiations — reduces the likelihood of an imminent exit. For Rodri, the choice is career-defining: stay and continue in a title-winning environment or pursue the prestige of Madrid. Both options carry clear professional logic.
Phil Foden: dip in form and World Cup implications
Guardiola also defended Phil Foden after scrutiny over his recent form and limited starts. The manager reminded critics of Foden’s contribution to City’s trophies and challenged the winger to respond: “It is up to him… he has to realise ‘I have to do better’, go to the simplicity.”
Guardiola framed the situation as a temporary patch rather than a long-term decline. “Last season was Phil’s worst. But this one until November was really good,” he said, urging Foden to seize England opportunities ahead of World Cup selection.
What this means for England selection
Foden’s form will be judged sharply by both club and country. Guardiola’s message — that this is a personal challenge — is clear: perform and selection is within reach. Given the four-year cycle of major tournaments, opportunities are finite; how Foden responds in the coming weeks will shape his international prospects.
Next steps and likely outcomes
Rodri’s contract talks look set to be decisive in Manchester City’s short-term planning. If he signs, City lock in the midfield core that has been integral to sustained success. If negotiations stall or an offer from Madrid materialises, the club would need to re-evaluate tactics and recruitment strategy.
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For Foden, the immediate priority is minutes and form. Guardiola’s public backing provides a platform, but the onus is on the player to translate confidence into performances that keep him in the conversation for England’s World Cup squad.
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