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(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Fri 8 August 2025 13:05, UK

Man City are doing everything they can to agree a new contract with Rodri in the near future amid ongoing interest from Real Madrid.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson insisted Pep Guardiola’s side must give the 29-year-old “whatever he wants” to tie down his long-term future at the Etihad.

The midfielder has two years remaining on his current deal, but has attracted interest from Xabi Alonso’s side following his return from last season’s serious injury.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that City plan to offer Rodri a new deal to deter interest from Real Madrid after struggling to feel the gap he left in the side.

Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images

City struggled without the Ballon d’Or winner in the middle of the park and endured a trophyless season for the first time since 2016/17, emphasising his importance.

Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City are pushing to agree terms with Rodri with talks expected to be a formality.

This article contains exclusive comment from Paul Robinson, a football pundit and former England, Tottenham and Leeds goalkeeper.

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Brown told Football Insider in November that Man City could struggle to keep Rodri if he has his head turned by the interest from Real Madrid.

However, the midfielder is believed to be happy at the Etihad ahead of the new season and is closing in on a full return from injury after picking up minutes at the Club World Cup.

Robinson explained that only the Spaniard will know where his future lies, but City will be doing everything in their power to convince him to stay.

“From Man City’s point of view, they’ll give him everything he wants,” he told Football Insider.

“You can see how important he is, we always talk about what a kingpin he is in that side.

“The start of Man City’s downfall last season was the loss of Rodri, and him coming back now is going to be like a new signing for them.

Pep Guardiola is determined to keep hold of Rodri.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

“He got some minutes at the Club World Cup, despite it being a disappointing tournament for City.

“They’ve had a good window with the quality they’ve brought in, but I think Rodri will be the best signing they’ll make if they can tie him down to a long-term contract.

“Only he will know where he wants to be where he sees his future, but from City’s point of view, give him whatever he wants.

“He’s that important to Manchester City.”

Alongside their ambitions of keeping Rodri at the club, City have been linked with new midfielders as West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta remains on their radar.

(Credit: Imago)

Football Insider revealed on 8 August that West Ham will accept £45million offers for Paqueta after he was cleared of spot-fixing allegations by the FA.

Guardiola is known to be a big fan of the Brazil international after missing out on an £85million deal in 2023, and City could now reignite their interest.

However, Brown told Football Insider on 6 August that Man City are unlikely to return for Paqueta despite Guardiola’s admiration given their well-stocked midfield.

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