The future of Rodrygo Goes at Real Madrid continues to be one of the most discussed topics in European football. The Brazilian international is navigating a difficult spell with Los Blancos, and his fluctuating form has opened the door for several top clubs to explore the possibility of signing him.
Among the teams monitoring the situation, Manchester City are reportedly the most determined to act quickly. According to a report from Fichajes, the Premier League champions are preparing to revive their long-standing interest in Rodrygo with the intention of completing a deal in the January 2026 transfer window.
Man City Ready to Bid Big for Rodrygo
The interest from City is far more than mere speculation. The club’s hierarchy is said to be preparing an official proposal worth close to €80 million, a figure they believe might be enough to persuade Real Madrid to enter negotiations.
Pep Guardiola has been vocal internally about strengthening City’s attacking options. With the team competing on multiple fronts each season—domestically and in Europe—depth and versatility in the forward line are essential. Rodrygo, known for his speed, agility, clever movement, and ability to operate across the entire front three, fits the profile Guardiola desires.
Creating a New Creative Trio at Manchester City
Should the transfer materialize, Guardiola envisions a refreshed attacking setup featuring Rodrygo alongside Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, supporting Erling Haaland as the focal striker. This trio would give City:
-
Greater unpredictability in the final third
-
Explosive dribbling threats from both wings
-
A dynamic, interchangeable forward line
Such a system could elevate City’s attacking rhythm, especially in matches where opponents sit deep and force Guardiola’s side to rely on individual creativity.
For Rodrygo himself, a move to Manchester could serve as the perfect environment to unlock the next stage of his development. At only 23 years old, he still possesses immense growth potential, and working under Guardiola—one of the greatest tactical minds in football—could reshape his career trajectory.
Mixed Signals From Real Madrid
Despite Madrid’s public stance that Rodrygo remains part of their long-term vision, the reality on the pitch tells a different story. His minutes have declined compared to previous seasons, his influence in key matches has fluctuated, and his role within the squad has become less defined.
The emergence of younger stars, competition for places, and tactical adjustments by the coaching staff have all contributed to a sense of instability around Rodrygo’s future in Madrid.
Internally, opinions are reportedly divided—some see him as a cornerstone of the next generation, while others believe a high-value sale could help fund other priorities in the squad.
A Potential Turning Point in Rodrygo’s Career
Several Premier League giants—including Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United—are also keeping an eye on the situation. Their interest underscores Rodrygo’s status as one of the most coveted young attackers in Europe.
Yet Manchester City stand out as the club most eager and financially equipped to meet Real Madrid’s valuation. The timing is also significant:
Rodrygo is approaching a crucial stage in his career. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, regular playing time is essential to secure his status within the Brazilian national team setup.
At Madrid, that assurance is no longer guaranteed. At City, however, Guardiola can offer:
-
A defined tactical role
-
A project built around dynamic attacking football
-
Consistent high-level minutes in the Premier League and Champions League
These factors make the move an attractive option for Rodrygo as he evaluates the next steps of his career.
Real Madrid Face a Strategic Decision
Real Madrid now face a dilemma:
Do they hold onto Rodrygo until the summer in hopes he regains form, or do they take advantage of a massive transfer fee in January to reallocate resources for their long-term squad planning?
A sale could help fund other reinforcements—particularly in midfield and defense—areas the club may prioritize ahead of next season. However, losing a young, talented forward midseason could also disrupt squad balance.
With Manchester City pushing aggressively, the decision may ultimately hinge on two factors:
- Rodrygo’s willingness to leave midseason
- Madrid’s confidence in their current attacking depth
One thing is certain: the January 2026 window could become a pivotal moment for both the player and the two European giants involved.
ALSO READ :
