Graeme Bailey just dropped some serious news, and if you bleed Sky Blue, you're gonna want to hear this! The word from the pitch is that Manchester City is absolutely desperate to keep midfield maestro Rodri at the Etihad Stadium way past the end of his current deal. Yeah, his contract runs out next summer, and the Mancunian giants are already pushing to tie him down to a new, long-term contract. You've gotta wonder why Maresca isn't on this already.
Rodri's Injury-Hit Season Still Shines Bright
So, here's the deal: Rodri was a solid squad player last season, but this campaign he's missed a bunch of games because of injury. That's a gut punch, no doubt. Despite those setbacks, the Spanish sensation still managed to bag two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions last season. And let's be real, even with the injuries, this guy, who just hit 30, is still easily one of the Premier League's best holding midfielders. That's why City needs to be all over keeping him. He's not just some guy, you know?Why Maresca Has To Secure This Deal Right Now
Think about what Rodri brings to the table. He's a tough-tackling machine who can read the game like a book, snatching the ball back for the team deep in their own half. When he needs to, he'll put his foot through it, clearing the danger, but he's also an incredibly accurate passer from midfield. Plus, the man can absolutely blast the ball from long range and set up some killer chances for his teammates to bury. While he’s primarily a defensive midfielder, he’s got the chops to step up as a box-to-box midfielder if his manager asks him to. He's got a ton of experience in the Premier League, he knows how to win at the highest level, and he’s still a huge piece of this Man City squad. He's playing in his prime right now, and has a few good years left at his peak. So, what should Enzo Maresca do? It's a no-brainer. Maresca absolutely needs to lock Rodri into a new, long-term deal. This guy isn't just a player; he’s integral if City wants to keep challenging for the Premier League title and bringing home some major silverware for years to come. The clock's ticking, Man City! Get it done.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.