Getting Rodri back to old self is vital

THERE was a time when getting Rodri to sign a new deal to ward off Real Madrid felt like a pressing issue for Manchester City.

- By SIMON BAJKOWSKI

For now they are more concerned with keeping him on the pitch.

Rodri's current contract is only heading in one direction, ticking down towards 2027. Next summer will be the last real opportunity for the Blues to get major money for him if he isn't to sign a new deal, with Real Madrid linked with an interest that could turn into a £130million offer for the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.

City obviously want to keep their best players and Rodri is no exception. They would also like to think that they have taken care of him during the most difficult season of his life and given his Ballon d'Or win the celebrations it deserved.