Manchester City are gearing up for one of the biggest moves of the upcoming transfer window, with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo emerging as a top target for Pep Guardiola. The club is looking to reinforce its attacking options as part of a broader squad rebuild at the Etihad—an overhaul that has already seen multiple exits and reshaping across key positions.
With Jack Grealish heading out on loan to Everton, City suddenly find themselves with a vacancy on the left flank and an open No. 10 shirt. Although the club recently secured the signing of Rayan Cherki from Lyon ahead of the Club World Cup, the situation remains fluid. Tottenham’s interest in Savinho has raised the possibility of yet another departure, something that could push Guardiola to accelerate his pursuit of Rodrygo to maintain depth and balance in the frontline.
Rodrygo, aged 24, is regarded as one of the most gifted young attackers in Europe. Real Madrid value him between £70 million and £100 million, a figure City are reportedly willing to consider given how highly they rate his skillset. His versatility—being able to play across the front three—makes him an especially appealing fit for Guardiola’s fluid, dynamic system alongside stars like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has commented on Guardiola’s unapologetic approach to revamping the squad, describing it as a deliberate strategy to keep competition strong and performance levels high. That ruthless efficiency could ultimately create the ideal conditions for Rodrygo’s arrival in Manchester.
Still, Real Madrid may not be eager to let him go. Rodrygo recently scored in a preseason match against WSG Tyrol, reaffirming his importance to Carlo Ancelotti’s setup. His form, combined with a cryptic Instagram post celebrating the goal—one that hinted at some uncertainty surrounding his future—has only intensified rumours. The speculation grew even stronger after Phil Foden and Erling Haaland both liked the post, fueling the belief that something could be brewing behind the scenes.
If City manage to finalize a deal in the region of £80 million, it would represent a statement signing from the Premier League champions. Rodrygo’s speed, creativity, and clinical edge would give Guardiola yet another world-class weapon in attack, further strengthening City’s ambitions to remain at the summit of English football and maintain their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
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