Overview
- Pep Guardiola said Friday that Manchester City want Rodri to "stay, stay, stay" after the club put a new contract on the table.
- He reaffirmed City’s policy that any unhappy player can leave by speaking to the sporting director and securing an offer that matches their value.
- Guardiola acknowledged the pull of Real Madrid and said few players would turn down the chance to play there, noting Rodri was born in Madrid.
- Rodri’s current deal runs to June 2027, so he is entering his final year as reports say Real Madrid are tracking the situation and may wait until after the World Cup to act.
- The decision carries weight because Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and City’s midfield anchor since 2019, would be hard to replace if he chooses Spain over a renewed stay in Manchester.