Just days before the UEFA
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Champions League final pits Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, the Spanish club has been rocked by speculation from MARCA that Manchester City is pursuing one of those expected to start in London.
The report claims that the Cityzens are monitoring the situation of attacker Rodrygo Goes, who has scored 17 goals in 50 games for the Spanish team this campaign. He has become a regular alongside Vinícius Júnior in Los Blancos’ attack, with Jude Bellingham also performing well as part of a front three.
The Brazilian is not looking to depart the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu according to the report, and the club are not actively considering selling him. However, they are prioritizing stability in the locker room which has secured the La Liga title this season.
Manchester City also won their domestic league, the Premier League, and is looking to bolster a frontline featuring Erling Haaland and Julian Álvarez. This season the English side came undone against Real Madrid in the Champions League, unable to break down their efficient defence, and now they could turn to one of the men who beat them.
Controversial comments in interviews
When asked about his future this week, Rodrygo has already opened the door to a potential exit. ‘Yes, well, anything can happen,’ he said in an interview with DAZN. ‘I have a contract here, but the years I’ve been here have been a pleasure for me.’ He was also quoted as telling Placar TV, as reported by MARCA, that ‘when it seems that I am not important at Real Madrid will be the moment to look for another place’.
He took to X to express his outrage at the use of the quote, explaining ‘today a very annoying situation happened, where one of my interviews was completely taken out of context. To be very direct, I am VERY happy at Real Madrid, I live a dream every day and it does NOT cross my mind to leave the club of my life! Now we continue with history to be made.’
The forward then added fuel to the fire by telling GQ Magazine ‘to be honest, we knew they were better. For me, they are the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football’.
Increased competition at the Bernabéu
That moment could come sooner rather than later given the transfer business on the horizon for Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé is widely tipped to join the club from Paris Saint-Germain and will become an undisputed starter as the emblematic figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
He will also be joined by Brazilian compatriot Endrick, while Joselu’s loan move to the club is set to be made permanent. That will see increased competition for places for Rodrygo, coming after his second full season as a regular in the team’s starting XI.
As such, he may feel that a move elsewhere may give him a better chance of playing regular soccer. Coach Ancelotti may have a tricky task on his hands to convince him that he will have that chance in Madrid.
