Manchester City star set to sign new contract to be among top earners with Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland: Reports
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly set to sign a new contract at the club, which will see his earnings bump up towards the levels of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. Within the club, Rodri is seen as an indispensable player, and the club hierarchy believe him to be at the same level as their other top earners.
According to GiveMeSport, Rodri will be offered a new and improved contract by the City management when he returns from national duty with Spain at Euro 2024. He signed a five-year extension in 2022 and currently earns a reported £220,000 per-week.
With Rodri's performances vital to their recent treble win and Premier League domination, the Cityzens do not want to wait for much longer to renew his contract. Rodri has also been a key player for Spain, helping them secure three wins and a berth in the quarterfinals of EURO 2024.
Manchester City will also be concerned about growing interest from other European juggernauts in the Spaniard's services. Real Madrid won their 15th UEFA Champions League title in 2023-24 and are reportedly looking at Rodri as a potential signing to help them retain their continental title. With Toni Kroos now retired, a spot may have opened up in Los Blancos' midfield, which could be filled by Rodri.
"He hasn't got that burst from midfield" - Gabby Agbonlahor on Manchester City superstar
Former Aston Villa striker and pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has expressed concern about Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne's recent performances. De Bruyne has been one of the most influential players at City throughout Pep Guardiola's tenure at the club.
However, after De Bruyne led Belgium to a 1-0 loss against France in the Euro 2024 Round of 16, Agbonlahor was concerned about his sharpness. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said (via Manchester City News):
“Even watching him last season he hasn’t got that burst from midfield like he had in previous years at Manchester City. Which is normal, you get into your early thirties, you lose a yard. But technically how good he is, he can still play at the highest level.”
De Bruyne has struggled with fitness issues in recent years, including a hamstring injury that kept him out from August to December last year. He missed out on 41 games for club and country last season, but will be hoping to put those worries behind him in the upcoming season.