- Rodrygo has 17 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances in all competitions
- The 23-year-old’s contract runs until 2028 after a contract extension in November
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Manchester City could make a move for Real Madrid striker Rodrygo this summer following his recent praise for the Premier League champions, reports in Spain claim.
Pep Guardiola’s side were dumped out of the Champions League by the Spanish giants, who have the chance to win a record-extending 15th European Cup against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday.
Ahead of the match, the Brazilian reflected on Los Blancos’ run to the final and showered City with praise, hailing them as ‘the best team in the world’.
This premature comment has led to speculation that the 23-year-old could swap the Bernabeu for the Etihad. according to MarcaRodrygo wants to stay at Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The outlet reports that City are now assessing his situation at the club as they view him as a ‘desirable’ addition to the squad.
Rodrygo has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City following his recent praise for the Premier League champions
The 23-year-old scored in every leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final victory over City
City reportedly view the Brazilian striker as a ‘desirable’ option this summer. (Photo: city boss Pep Guardiola)
Rodryo has played an important role in Real Madrid’s success this season. He scored seventeen goals in all competitions and provided nine assists. He is together with his compatriot Vinicius Jr. the club’s joint top scorer in the Champions League.
He signed a contract extension with Madrid in November that runs until 2028.
But the expected arrival of Kylian Mbappe this summer casts doubt on his level of involvement next term.
Rodrygo has played in a central position for most of the campaign, with Vinicius in his favored position on the left.
The winger’s placement is unlikely to change with Mbappe’s arrival. Many therefore conclude that Rodrygo will be the player who will pay the price for the French superstar’s long-awaited move.
For now, he is reportedly happy to continue with the club and is likely to start in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday.
During his interview with GQ Hype (via Marca), Rodrygo rejected claims that Madrid were favorites for the match and insisted that the match could go either way.
‘It is said that Real Madrid never lose finals, and I hope that is true again.’ He said. ‘I have always seen Madrid win all the finals and I hope it stays that way.
‘I always say that a final is 50-50. Of course, because it’s us, they always put us as favorites, but for me it’s still 50-50.’
The expected arrival of Kylian Mbappé could drastically reduce Rodrygo’s minutes next season
“Honestly, we knew they were better.” He added their victory over City in the quarter-final. ‘For me they are the best team in the world, the team that plays the best football.
‘I think the toughest opponent is gone, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to win the final. With Bayern it was very difficult, and with Borussia Dortmund it will also be very difficult.’