What happened: Manchester City offered Rodri a new contract several months ago, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. The talks are now on stand-by, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027. There remains plenty of time to decide, leaving the door open for Rodri to leave as a free agent in one year if no extension is signed.

Why it matters: Rodri is the spine of City's midfield, and losing him on a free transfer would be a major blow to the club's rebuild. The stalled negotiations keep alive long-running speculation around his future, having already downplayed exit links earlier this month. With no agreement in place, City face pressure to either secure his signature or risk watching a key asset run down his deal.

What to watch: Watch whether City return to the table before the 2026/27 season opens, as the gap to the June 2027 expiry shrinks. Any renewed contact or a fresh offer would signal which way the standoff is breaking.