Manchester City ready to offer superstar massive wage hike to ward off interest from European giants - Reports

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer Rodri a massive increase in his wages, as they look to ward off interest from European giants Real Madrid. As per reports, City are concerned about the gaze of the Spanish giants on one of their most important players. Hence, they plan to hike up his wages to convince him to stay.

Los Blancos are searching for a replacement for Toni Kroos, who retired from football during the summer. They also have to find a replacement for Luka Modric, who has one more year on his contract with the club. This has led them to set their eyes on City midfielder Rodri as a key target, as they work on a midfield rebuild, as per OkDario (via Tribal Football).

However, Manchester City are not pleased about this, and for good reason. Rodri has been one of their most important players, playing an impressive 257 games since he joined them from Atletico Madrid in 2019. He has averaged around 50 games per season since then, making 56 appearances in all competitions during the 2022-23 season, as they won the continental treble.

The Cityzens view him as an essential part of how they play under manager Pep Guardiola. They aren't willing to let the Euro 2024 winner leave without a fight.

In their attempts to block Madrid from convincing the Spaniard of a return to Spain, they are set to offer Rodri a shocking €450,000 per week. According to Capology, the midfielder currently earns £220,000 but Manchester City are prepared to double it.

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When Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Rodri

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was able to lead the Cityzens to their fourth consecutive Premier League title, setting a new record in English top-tier history. On the run to that fourth title back in May, he spoke about Rodri's abilities.

The manager revealed to the press that the Spaniard was capable of playing in any generation. He added that Rodri could have played under Johan Cruyff's Barcelona, with the legendary Dutch manager leaving him on the bench instead. He said (via Eurosport):

“He would be competing with me for a position and then he would've been in trouble. These players could play in any generation in teams across the world. They are too good to not be at that level.

"If I was the manager, I would pick myself but if it was Johan Cruyff and he was smarter than me - then it would be Rodri by far.”

Rodri has not played for Manchester City this season, having struggled with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of contention. However, he seems to have returned to fitness, playing in Spain's 4-1 win over Switzerland in the Nations League on September 8. He will hope to be available when the Cityzens face Brentford at home in the Premier League on September 14.