Manchester City need to inspire their fans today more than ever, and with such deep pockets there is only one way to do it: sign a star player from a rival team. And all signs point to Real Madrid.
Guardiola is aware of Rodrygo Goes’ situation, and he knows that he has been struggling on an emotional level since arriving in the Spanish capital. The Brazilian is not rated by Ancelotti as highly as the likes of Vini, Bellingham or Mbappé. Rodrygo is unhappy as he does not understand why he is not considered to be one of the best.
Whether with or without Guardiola, City needs some new blood and Rodrygo being linked to Manchester is nothing new. Pep has always wanted him but they now seem to be serious. City would be willing to pay up to €150 million for him, a figure that Florentino would be more than happy with given Real’s excess of attacking talent. Real has not yet agreed to take its place at the negotiating table, but the 4-4-2 formation imposed by Carlo Ancelotti has effectively benched the player, which is not sustainable as Rodrygo himself wants more time on the pitch.