Pep Guardiola will be hoping that once Hugo Viana begins his tenure at Manchester City, he can entice several players to make a move to the Etihad Stadium in the summer.
Manchester City are in desperate need of overhauling their squad, much like they did ahead of the 2017/2018 season where they signed five players and let 12 leave in the summer — a bold step that led to them becoming the first team in Premier League history to accrue 100 points in a campaign.
Ahead of City’s much-awaited summer transfer window, they have been linked with numerous players across Europe.
One of them was Eduardo Camavinga, whose potential signing interests Manchester City.
But an even more surprising link emerged about Camavinga’s teammate as Rodrygo’s father held a meeting with Pep Guardiola over a potential shock move to City.
Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Man City should sign Rodrygo at all costs
It was reported that Rodrygo was promised that he would play in his favoured left-wing position at Manchester City — an opportunity that is rarely afforded to him at Real Madrid due to Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe’s presences.
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Simply put, City should do everything in their power to sign the Brazilian international this summer, whose contract expires in 2028.
Firstly, Jack Grealish could leave Manchester City this summer and if he does end up departing, that would free up a spot for Rodrygo to take up in the squad. Secondly, while Jeremy Doku continues to improve, the Sky Blues have never shied away from bringing in competition for their existing players and the Belgian still has a way to go to become the finished article.
Rodrygo, on the other hand is already one of the best wingers in the world — having proven his worth in La Liga and the Champions League for years and this season, the £37.9 million (Athletic) has 13 goals and eight assists in total despite playing in his unnatural right-wing position for the most part.
RODRYGO STATS FOR REAL MADRID THIS SEASON
STARTS 33
GOALS 13
ASSISTS 8
Pep Guardiola apparently loves Rodrygo as well and naturally so, considering he is established, technically gifted and incredibly versatile — capable of playing across the front line.
While Manchester City perhaps need to address the lack of legs in their midfield more than signing a wide forward, players like the Real Madrid maverick can be transformative additions — considering he has the quick feet, eye for goal, intelligence and searing pace to become a genuine superstar.
At just 24 years of age as well, Rodrygo is still years away from entering his prime and if he does so at the Etihad Stadium, City could have a player capable of attaining legendary status in sky blue.
What has Rodrygo said about Manchester City?
However, it will be easier said than done for Hugo Viana to pull off a deal to sign the former Santos wideman.
Rodrygo hailed Manchester City as “the best team in the world” despite Real Madrid beating them to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals last season — which could indicate that he could fancy a move to the English giants if they came calling this summer.
“To be honest, we knew they were better. For me, it’s the best team in the world, the one that plays the best football. I think the toughest opponent is gone, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy now to win the final. With Bayern, it was very difficult and with Borussia, it will be very difficult as well.”