Hugo Viana is ready to accelerate on a new deal for Rodri to ensure Manchester City keep hold of the Ballon d’Or winner amid Real Madrid interest.

According to TBR, Manchester City sporting director Hugo Viana is prioritising a new contract for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is into the final two years of his deal at the Etihad, with the club eager to continue his stay here amid Real Madrid’s interest.

Rodri had an unfortunate season last time around, when he was coming at the back of a campaign that saw him win the Premier League and then the Euros with Spain. Later, as the season progressed, he was named the Ballon d’Or for his performances, but missed the entire campaign with an ACL rupture.

He has had a disturbed start to the new campaign, as Manchester City will hope he continues to prolong his fitness to give the team a big chance to succeed. Without him, Pep Guardiola looked short of ideas last term, which culminated in the Catalan manager going trophyless for the very first time in his managerial career.

Now, with Manchester City making a few fundamental changes, including letting go of key stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, they have no such plans with Rodri. The midfielder has had a huge role in the recent success at the club, while also contributing with 58 goals and assists during his time, mostly from a defensive midfield role.

New sporting director Hugo Viana, who replaced long-serving director Txiki Begiristain, has a big task of solving the Rodri contract situation. The midfielder is into the final two years of his deal at the Etihad, as Real Madrid’s interest in the Ballon d’Or winner seems to be causing some concerns at the club.

Hugo Viana to accelerate Rodri contract talks

Manchester City had planned on a new contract for Rodri many months ago, with the report stating the conversations have been held for an extension for nearly a year. The club are now pushing hard to get a deal in place and ward off the interest from Real Madrid.

Real Madrid had earmarked making a big offer for Rodri in the summer of 2026, meaning, should the midfielder commit to fresh terms, that move may not materialise. For the present and the future of Manchester City, Rodri seems like the key cog, as keeping him will be equivalent to signing a superstar in the current climate.