Manchester City Target Real Madrid’s Rodrygo in €100M Transfer Move

Manchester City are reportedly pursuing a blockbuster transfer for Real Madrid’s 24-year-old Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, with negotiations gaining momentum ahead of the 2025/26 season, according to FootballTransfers and Fabrizio Romano. The move comes as City prepare for significant squad changes, with Jack Grealish set for a season-long loan to Everton, James McAtee nearing a €20 million permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest, and Savinho attracting a €50 million bid from Tottenham Hotspur.

Pep Guardiola, a long-time admirer of Rodrygo, views him as a “dream target” for his versatility, pace, and composure, ideal for City’s fluid attacking system. Rodrygo, who contributed 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 appearances for Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season, prefers the left wing but has played mostly on the right due to competition from Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé. Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, are open to offers around €100 million ($109 million), though City hope to negotiate a lower fee, potentially spreading costs.

Despite Rodrygo’s public commitment to Real Madrid, where his contract runs until 2028, his reduced role—limited to just over 90 minutes in Madrid’s first six games under Alonso—has fueled speculation. AS reported Rodrygo felt underappreciated last season, and ESPN Brazil noted his openness to a Premier League move, with Manchester City leading over Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle due to their proactive contacts with his entourage. Arsenal’s interest has cooled due to his wage demands, while Liverpool’s focus is on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

X posts reflect fan enthusiasm, with @radhoo12 praising Rodrygo’s versatility and winning mentality, stating, “He’s had multiple seasons playing fiddle to others. In what world is this a bad transfer?” @mcfc_lads highlighted City’s “realistic and concrete” talks with Real Madrid. However, Marca and Jorge Picon note no formal offers have been made, and Alonso has publicly stated, “Rodrygo is an amazing player; we will need him,” suggesting Madrid’s reluctance to let him go without a substantial bid.

With the transfer window closing on September 1, 2025, Rodrygo’s decision hinges on guaranteed playing time and City’s ability to meet Madrid’s valuation. If completed, the €100 million deal would rank among City’s most expensive signings, signaling their intent to maintain Premier League dominance.

Source: African Publicity