Redaction Simon Brett with David Tully
Published on 2024-06-02 07:00:44
Manchester City are being linked with a sensational move for Real Madrid forward, Rodrygo., according to Marca.
The 23-year-old has been a key player for Los Blancos this term, scoring 17 times and providing nine assists to help his club to La Liga and Spanish Super Cup glory.
His goals have also fired the club to the final of the Champions League, which came at the expense of City. Rodrygo was on target during both legs of the quarter-final tie involving the two teams.
A report by Spanish publication Marca has claimed that the Sky Blues have the former Santos star ‘in its sights’ though Real are said to be ‘very calm’ about the situation.
It is added the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappe has made many clubs ‘begin to look at some of the players’ in the Madrid squad and City ‘can be seen’.
There was a mixed reaction among supporters on X to the news that the Cityzens could pursue a deal for Rodrygo:
Didn’t see this coming
— 17™ (@KDB_SZN_17) May 30, 2024
bring him man
— 𝙱𝚊𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚊 🇧🇪 ¹⁷ (@BaldiolaV3) May 30, 2024
rodrygo is definitely staying on the bench the whole season if he stays there
— desire (@dgsire) May 30, 2024
Real Madrid won’t let him go plus he’s already said he’s not leaving Madrid
— Daryil (@daryiljohnson26) May 30, 2024
If we get Rodrygo that would be a BIG signing. Defo would make up for the lacklustre summer window last year
— TRiXz (@TRiXz_2K) May 30, 2024
I’m never forgiving him for the heartbreak he caused us at the bernabeu…
— Alex 𝕏 (@_999WRLD) May 30, 2024
Doku x haaland x rodrygo with Foden at 10😍😍😍 take all my money
— sad boy for life! (@Richnuni) May 30, 2024
Rodrygo has already made his admiration for City clear
His side may well have progressed on penalties to reach the final four of this year’s Champions League, ending hopes of back-to-back European glory for Guardiola, but Rodrygo has admitted the Sky Blues were superior and are the standout side in world football.
Speaking in the build-up to the Champions League final, Rodrygo admitted that his team had already faced the “best team” in the competition in the quarter-final:
“To be honest, we knew they [City] were better. For me they are the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football. I think the most difficult rival has already left [the competition]”.
Would Real consider selling the Brazilian?
Marca say that the La Liga champions are keen on keeping hold of Rodrygo. Previous reports have claimed that Real would only consider bids in excess of €100m (£85m) for the 23-year-old.
Of course, if the player does become unhappy about a lack of game time due to Mbappe’s presence, this deal could be revisited later in the summer or (potentially) in a future transfer window.
City are not thought to be the only club keeping close tabs on Rodrygo’s situation. Liverpool have also been heavily linked with the winger in the past.
