Ex-Manchester City striker Paul Dickov has backed the club to make a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo if he becomes available this summer.
There is growing speculation that the Brazilian will leave the Bernabeu, with Pep Guardiola’s side and Arsenal seen as the two likeliest destinations. Speaking exclusively to Man City News (courtesy of 10bet), Dickov said he can see why his former team would want to sign him:
“He’s a wonderful player, watching the Champions League up close, especially the amount of times Man City have played Real Madrid over the last few years. Very intelligent player, very technical player, works really hard, and to play in a Pep Guardiola team, that’s got to be a given. And I’m sure there’ll be quite a few players out there City will be watching.”
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Dickov feels that Rodrygo has often gone underappreciated as he lacks the stature of his higher-profile teammates but he says the 24-year-old is a top-drawer player in his own right:
“I’m actually quite surprised Rodrygo’s potentially leaving Real Madrid. Despite Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior’s presence there, Rodrygo’s the one that goes under the radar. I think he’s a wonderful player. If he’s available, I’m pretty sure there will be a lot of clubs in there for him. I think City were linked with him a couple of years ago as well and it seems to have not gone away, so if it was Rodrygo to Manchester City, I don’t think any City fans would be unhappy with that, but I’m sure there would be a lot of competition for him because he’s a world class player.”
Rodrygo’s asking price may put off bidders
Even if the Brazilian international does signal to suitors that he is open to moving clubs this summer, he won’t be on the market for a low fee.
Reports in the Spanish media suggest that Real will only consider offers of around €100m (£84m) for Rodrygo.
Man City do have other transfer priorities
Rather than recruiting a forward, the Manchester club are currently focused on finding a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne. Talks with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz have taken place in recent days.
If the German international does give his approval to making the switch to the Etihad, he could cost in excess of €100m. Were that to happen, it would be difficult to see how City could pursue a deal for Rodrygo as well. It will be intriguing to see how things play out over the coming weeks.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here