The summer transfer window may have closed, but Manchester City are already planning for future opportunities to strengthen their squad. A Real Madrid star is firmly on their radar.
Despite numerous transfer rumours and against expectations, Rodrygo chose to remain at Real Madrid this summer, as he was seeing reduced playing time towards the end of last season.
The 24-year-old remains a highly sought-after player. While Liverpool appeared to be in pole position for him this summer, with a potential offer of €80m (£70m), Caught Offside reports that Manchester City will be the main suitor to sign Rodrygo in the next winter transfer window.
Pep Guardiola a long-time admirer of Rodrygo
The Brazilian winger is reportedly ready to make the move in January if he continues to be used mainly as a substitute by Xabi Alonso. So far this season, Rodrygo has started once and come off the bench twice in the opening three matches.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are open to the departure of their winger, as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr remain the established leaders of their attack. Caught Offside indicates that Manchester City are ready to explore a deal with Real Madrid in January, with Pep Guardiola a long-time admirer of the Osasco-born player.
Real Madrid value Rodrygo at €80m (£69m)
Guardiola believes Rodrygo would be a “perfect” and “key” addition to his attacking system if he were to join. Financially, City see the €80m (£69m) fee requested by the Spanish giants as realistic, with Transfermarkt valuing the winger at €90m (£78m).
However, the deal will likely only materialise if Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid does not improve and if Manchester City make a sale in attack this winter. During the summer window, the Premier League side had considered pursuing the Brazilian if Savinho had joined Tottenham.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
