Rodrygo considers Manchester City move and may leave Real Madrid in 2025

Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, is at the center of speculation about a potential transfer to Manchester City in 2025. With fewer minutes on the pitch under Xabi Alonso’s management, the 24-year-old is contemplating the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola in the Premier League. The move is seen as a chance for Rodrygo to take on a more prominent role, particularly on the left wing, a position where he faces competition from Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid. Manchester City’s interest, intensified after contact with the player’s staff, could lead to a €100 million offer, the amount set by the Spanish club. The decision, however, rests with Rodrygo and his pursuit of greater prominence.

The player, who has shone in decisive matches for Real Madrid, such as the 2022 Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, faces uncertainty at the Spanish club. Mbappé’s arrival last summer reduced his starting opportunities, limiting him to just 22 starts in LaLiga during the 2024/25 season. Despite past loyalty to Real Madrid, the prospect of playing under Guardiola, a coach admired by the Brazilian, has gained traction in discussions with his representatives.

Manchester City’s transfer market activity is also driven by squad changes. With Jack Grealish’s loan to Everton and negotiations for Savinho’s move to Tottenham, the English club aims to strengthen its attacking options. Rodrygo is seen as an ideal fit to fill these gaps, bringing versatility and experience in major competitions.

• Key factors in the potential transfer:
• Direct interest from Pep Guardiola, who has spoken with Rodrygo’s staff.
• Potential €100 million offer, including bonuses, from Real Madrid.
• Rodrygo’s pursuit of more minutes and preference for the left wing.
• Departures of City players like Grealish and Savinho, opening squad space.

Manchester City’s growing interest

Manchester City has ramped up its pursuit of Rodrygo in recent weeks, with Pep Guardiola viewing the Brazilian as a “dream target” to bolster the attack. Reports indicate the English club has already contacted Rodrygo’s representatives, including a meeting with his father, Eric Goes, to discuss the proposal. City’s offer includes a significant salary increase and the assurance that Rodrygo could play in his preferred left-wing position, where he believes he can perform best.

Rodrygo’s connection with Manchester City is not new. He has faced Guardiola’s team nine times, scoring four goals and providing two assists, including a standout performance in the 2022 Champions League, where his two goals at the Santiago Bernabéu were pivotal for Real Madrid’s comeback. This experience against City bolsters Guardiola’s confidence that Rodrygo can quickly adapt to the Premier League’s intense and technical style.

However, the negotiation is complex. Real Madrid, while open to offers, considers Rodrygo a valuable asset, with a contract until 2028 and a market value of around €100 million, according to Transfermarkt. The Spanish club has already identified young Portuguese star Rodrigo Mora from FC Porto as a potential replacement, signaling preparedness for Rodrygo’s possible departure.

🚨 Rodrygo’s exit from Real Madrid this summer is NOT ruled out, and a move to Man City is seen as a possibility by the player’s entourage. 🇧🇷🔵
[@TNTSportsBR]

Rodrygo was an unused sub for Real Madrid vs Osasuna tonight. ❌ pic.twitter.com/SWnwnA9OXw

— mancity.fever (@mancityfever2) August 19, 2025

Rodrygo’s challenges at Real Madrid

Rodrygo joined Real Madrid in 2019 from Santos and quickly established himself as a key squad member. With 68 goals in over 200 matches, he has won three LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues, proving his ability to deliver in critical moments. However, the 2024/25 season marked a turning point in his tenure at the club.

Mbappé’s arrival heightened competition in the attack, with Vinicius Jr. and Mbappé occupying Rodrygo’s preferred positions. Under Xabi Alonso, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti, Rodrygo has often been deployed on the right wing or as a substitute, leading to frustration. In an early 2025 interview, Rodrygo emphasized his preference for the left wing but acknowledged the challenge of competing with the two stars.

• Impacts of competition at Real Madrid:
• Only 22 starts in LaLiga 2024/25.
• Reduced minutes in the Club World Cup, with just one start.
• Alonso’s tactical system favoring offensive wingers, limiting Rodrygo’s role.
• Pressure to maintain high performance in a star-studded squad.

Appeal of Pep Guardiola and the Premier League

The prospect of working with Pep Guardiola is a major draw for Rodrygo. The Spanish coach is renowned for developing young players and his innovative tactical approach. Rodrygo has publicly praised Guardiola, calling him a “great coach” and noting the difficulty of facing his teams. This mutual admiration could be a deciding factor in the Brazilian’s choice.

The Premier League offers a competitive environment that appeals to Rodrygo. Known for its intensity and global visibility, the English league could elevate his career, especially as he aims to solidify his spot in the Brazilian national team. With 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 matches last season for Real Madrid, Rodrygo has the profile to excel in English football.

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Moreover, Manchester City provides Rodrygo the chance to compete for titles across all competitions. Despite a trophyless 2024/25 season, the club has bolstered its squad with players like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri, signaling ambition to reclaim dominance in the Premier League and Champions League.

Market competition

While Manchester City is the frontrunner to sign Rodrygo, other Premier League clubs are also monitoring the situation. Arsenal and Liverpool have shown interest in the Brazilian, but face financial or tactical constraints to finalize a deal. Arsenal prefers a loan agreement, while Liverpool sees Rodrygo as a potential replacement for Luis Díaz, should the Colombian leave for Bayern Munich or Barcelona.

• Clubs interested in Rodrygo:
• Manchester City: €100 million offer and a prominent squad role.
• Arsenal: Interest in a loan deal to strengthen the left wing.
• Liverpool: Option if Luis Díaz is sold to Bayern Munich or Barcelona.
• Tottenham: Initial interest but no significant progress in talks.

Rodrygo’s decision will also hinge on personal factors. He previously turned down a Manchester City offer in 2024 to stay with Real Madrid. Now, with fewer minutes and the prospect of a central role at City, his stance may shift.

Financial and strategic landscape

Rodrygo’s potential transfer involves significant sums. Real Madrid has set an initial €100 million price tag, but Manchester City aims to negotiate a €80 million deal with bonuses reaching the desired amount. The departure of players like Grealish, McAtee, and Savinho could free up funds for City, while Real Madrid plans to use the proceeds to invest in new talents like Rodrigo Mora.

For Manchester City, signing Rodrygo is a bet on a proven player with room to grow under Guardiola’s guidance. The Spanish coach sees the Brazilian as an ideal replacement for departing wingers, offering speed, technique, and clutch performance in big matches.

Reactions at Real Madrid and in the market

Rodrygo’s potential exit has sparked debate among Real Madrid fans and analysts. While some see the sale as an opportunity to fund new signings, others view the Brazilian as an essential player, even amidst attacking competition. Xabi Alonso appears comfortable with letting Rodrygo go, provided the club receives an offer matching his market value.

At Manchester City, Rodrygo’s arrival would signal renewed ambition after a season without silverware. English fans, already following the club’s transfer moves, are excited about the prospect of seeing the Brazilian alongside stars like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

• Prospects for Rodrygo at City:
• Adaptation to Guardiola’s style, emphasizing possession and movement.
• Title contention in the Premier League and Champions League.
• Opportunity to shine on the left wing, his preferred position.
• Increased visibility for the Brazilian national team.

Next steps in the negotiation

The summer 2025 transfer window, closing on September 1, will be pivotal in determining Rodrygo’s future. Manchester City plans to escalate talks in the coming weeks, particularly if Savinho’s move to Tottenham is finalized. Real Madrid, meanwhile, is already scouting market alternatives, focusing on young players to maintain the squad’s high standards.

Rodrygo remains focused on his performances for Real Madrid but has not ruled out a move. His decision will depend not only on the financial offer but also on Manchester City’s sporting project and the chance to work with one of the game’s greatest coaches.