Manchester City are once again eyeing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes as the European champions seek to strengthen their attacking options before the close of the summer transfer window.
Reports in Spain and England suggest that City’s hierarchy have revived talks surrounding the Brazilian international, who has been unsettled at the Santiago Bernabéu following increased competition for attacking roles.
Guardiola’s Long-Standing Interest
Pep Guardiola is no stranger to Rodrygo’s talent. The Manchester City boss has been monitoring the versatile attacker since his days at Santos, and the club previously explored the possibility of bringing him to the Premier League.
Last season, Rodrygo’s father reportedly visited the Etihad Campus to meet City officials as the player considered his long-term options. While the Citizens’ attention later shifted to other transfer priorities, Guardiola has maintained his admiration for the 23-year-old, whom he sees as an ideal fit for his fluid attacking system.
Real Madrid’s Packed Attack
Rodrygo’s desire for more playing time has been tested at Real Madrid. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé this summer, combined with the presence of Vinícius Júnior, Brahim Díaz, and young sensation Arda Güler, has left the Brazilian competing for limited opportunities in Carlo Ancelotti’s front line.
Although he has been a valuable contributor for Los Blancos, featuring prominently in their Champions League run last season, sources close to the player insist that Rodrygo is open to a new challenge where he can play a central role rather than fighting for minutes off the bench.
Savinho’s Situation Opens the Door
Manchester City’s revived interest has been triggered by developments involving Savinho (Savinho Moreira de Oliveira), the young Brazilian winger currently on the books of Troyes, a City Football Group club. Savinho has expressed his strong desire to join Tottenham Hotspur, convinced that he will secure more playing chances under manager Ange Postecoglou at Spurs.
If City sanction Savinho’s permanent departure to Tottenham, Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain are expected to push forward with an official move for Rodrygo. Unlike Savinho, Rodrygo is already an established star with Champions League pedigree, making him a safer bet for Guardiola’s title-chasing squad.
A Tactical Fit at City
One of the biggest reasons Guardiola is pushing for Rodrygo is his versatility. The Brazilian can operate on either wing, as a false nine, or even in an attacking midfield role. His ability to link up play, stretch defenses, and score crucial goals makes him a player who could slot seamlessly into City’s rotation alongside Phil Foden, Julián Álvarez, and Erling Haaland.
With Guardiola often rotating his attacking options to maintain freshness across competitions, Rodrygo’s adaptability could prove invaluable, particularly with City competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.
Transfer Dynamics
Financially, any deal for Rodrygo will not come cheap. Real Madrid invested heavily in his signing from Santos in 2019, and his performances have only increased his market value. Reports suggest that Madrid would demand upwards of €80 million (£68m) for his services, although City have the resources to fund such a move, especially if Savinho is sold.
Madrid, however, are aware of their crowded frontline and may be open to negotiating a deal if it helps balance their squad and finances. For Rodrygo, the prospect of working under Guardiola in the Premier League could prove tempting, particularly if his role at Madrid continues to diminish.
What It Means for the Premier League
If Rodrygo does make the switch to Manchester, it would mark another significant coup for the Premier League champions. His arrival would bolster City’s already world-class attacking unit and add further competition for places. It would also hand Guardiola another technically gifted attacker who thrives in high-pressure moments—qualities that have defined City’s dominance in recent years.
For Tottenham, the potential acquisition of Savinho offers its own intrigue. The young Brazilian is seen as a rising star and could benefit from regular game time in North London, creating a win-win situation for both clubs.
Conclusion
The next few weeks could prove decisive for Rodrygo’s future. While Real Madrid remains an attractive destination, the lure of consistent playing time, the chance to work with Guardiola, and the challenge of the Premier League may tilt the balance towards Manchester City.
With Savinho’s Tottenham move gathering pace, all eyes are on Etihad Stadium to see if Guardiola will finally get his long-admired Brazilian attacker.
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