Manchester City have moved decisively to secure the long-term futures of two of their defensive pillars, Ruben Dias and Rodri.
The Citizens have already made waves in the transfer market, and these contract extensions signal their intent to blend youth with experience in their pursuit of silverware.
The club have bolstered their ranks with a flurry of summer signings, bringing in Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki in early June. They also outmaneuvered Arsenal to land Norwegian prodigy Sverre Nypan, with the young midfielder expressing pride in joining his compatriots Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb at the Etihad.
“There is already a special connection between Norway and Manchester City, and I am very proud to have become the latest Norwegian player to have joined the club,” Nypan said.
Additionally, James Trafford returned from Burnley for 27 million pounds to challenge Ederson for the goalkeeper spot, a move that will see Stefan Ortega depart.
Amid this influx of young talent, Manchester City have prioritized locking down their established stars. Central to this strategy is Ruben Dias, the Portuguese centre-back who has been a cornerstone of their defense since arriving from Benfica in 2020. With 10 major trophies in five years, Dias has proven his elite credentials.
His current contract was set to run until 2027, but The Athletic reported that the club have reached an agreement in principle for a new deal. “Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle with Ruben Dias to sign a new contract,” the outlet stated, confirming the 28-year-old’s long-term commitment to the Citizens.
While the exact length of the extension remains undisclosed, the move ensures Dias will remain a linchpin at the Etihad.
Equally significant is the club’s push to extend Rodri’s contract. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who has drawn interest from Real Madrid, is poised to become Manchester City’s second-highest earner behind Haaland.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on X that the club are preparing a lucrative offer. “Manchester City are set to offer new contract to Rodri valid until June 2029,” Romano posted. “He could become the second best paid player after Haaland, decision up to Rodri. City want to show their trust in Rodri with new deal almost ready to be offered”.
Currently earning around 220,000 pounds a week, Rodri could see his wages surpass 300,000 pounds a week, eclipsing Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish, who share second place in the club’s pay hierarchy.
Posts on X also highlight the club’s broader contract strategy, with Manchester City working to secure new long-term deals for both Rodri and Phil Foden after finalizing terms with Dias’ representatives. “Man City will step up attempts to agree new long-term contracts with both Rodri and Phil Foden, after finalising terms with Ruben Dias’ representatives,” one update noted. This underscores the club’s determination to maintain a core of world-class talent.
Manchester City’s proactive approach in the transfer and contract markets reflects their ambition to reclaim the Premier League title after finishing third in 2024-25. With a blend of exciting new arrivals and extended commitments from proven stars like Dias and Rodri, the Citizens are building a squad ready to compete on all fronts.
As sporting director Hugo Viana emphasized regarding Trafford’s return, “We feel he is an ideal fit for this squad and will bring great quality”. Fans can expect similar confidence in the club’s plans for Dias and Rodri as they gear up for a fierce 2025-26 campaign.
