Are several more dominoes set to fall for Manchester City after Guardiola’s contract extension? | OneFootball

Sam Lee’s report for the Athletic that Pep Guardiola has agreed on a fresh contract extension has seen arguably the biggest domino in Manchester City’s future fall. The world champions will now move forward with the knowledge that Pep Guardiola will remain as manager. With Guardiola all but confirmed to remain as manager will Manchester City now see players begin to sign contract extensions? The champions have the clarity needed to convince key players to extend their contracts. A new report indicates that is a move City seems intent on making.

Martin Blackburn has reported for the Sun that Manchester City are set to step up their efforts to convince Erling Haaland to sign a contract extension. Furthermore, Blackburn adds that any contract extension Haaland signs may see him stay at the club for the next four to five seasons. Blackburn further reports that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s hierarchy would love for Erling Haaland to commit his future to the club.

Martin Blackburn also reports that Pep Guardiola’s contract extension may have an effect on Kevin De Bruyne’s future at the club. De Bruyne is in the final year of contract with Manchester City. Blackburn adds that come January De Bruyne will be free to negotiate with other clubs. It is also reported by Blackburn that De Bruyne may have to accept a reduced role in Pep Guardiola’s squad to stay at Manchester City. Any new contract for De Bruyne with Manchester City may also include a pay cut Blackburn adds.

Lastly, Blackburn also reports that Manchester City are keen to begin contract negotiations with Rodri. Rodri is out for the season with a knee injury.

Will Pep Guardiola’s decision to stay convince his players to follow his lead?

Pep Guardiola’s commitment to Manchester City may see his players follow suit. First of all, Guardiola’s contract extension shows he is committed to continuing City’s era of dominance. He is up for the challenge of rebuilding his squad and remaining at the top of English football. Now it is up to his players to follow his lead. If history is any guide they will follow his lead.

Martin Blackburn’s report on Erling Haaland’s contract negotiations follows on from Harry Pratt’s recent report for the Mirror that City are confident of Erling Haaland signing a contract extension. It appears to be only a matter of time before Haaland commits his future to the club. Based on his admiration for Pep Guardiola, which is included in Martin Blackburn’s report, it does appear to be a no-brainer.

The cases of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne are completely different to that of Erling Haaland. Firstly, Rodri is currently injured and focused on his recovery from his season-ending knee injury. There is no indication that Rodri is seeking to leave the world champions. When the time is right I do expect Rodri and City to sit down and negotiate a lucrative contract extension for the Ballon d’Or winner. When that time is remains to be seen.

In the case of Kevin De Bruyne, it is a different ball game entirely. The Manchester City legend is nearing the end of his illustrious City career. If Pep Guardiola wants to retain De Bruyne’s services I believe that City will attempt to negotiate a new deal with the club legend. But the decision to stay or leave Manchester City will be De Bruyne’s to make. He has more than earned that right. But perhaps the fact that Guardiola is set to stay at the world champions may convince De Bruyne to do likewise.

Summary

Manchester City can now plan for a future with Pep Guardiola as manager. That is apparent. What is also becoming clear is that City’s players may also follow his lead. Reports suggest that Erling Haaland may be set to do so in the near future. Rodri may do similar further down the track. That remains to be seen. Guardiola’s contract extension could also prove pivotal in what Kevin De Bruyne does next.

The flow on affect of Pep Guardiola’s contract extension is clear to see. The hope is that his key players follow his lead. They do on the pitch and it seems that they will off it.