Rodrygo has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City.
Manchester City News understands that Rodrygo would replace Savinho at the Etihad Stadium if Tottenham Hotspur signed the latter — who could leave Real Madrid after joining them in 2019.
The two-time Champions League winner has etched his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world — renowned for his sublime technique, eye for goal and tactical malleability.
With Manchester City News revealing that Rodrygo would love to work with Pep Guardiola, the pair could wreak havoc in tandem if the player signed for the English giants this summer.
Man City should forget about signing Rodrygo and target Bradley Barcola instead
As terrific a player as Rodrygo is, Manchester City should target a move for Bradley Barcola instead for a whole host of reasons.
If Pep Guardiola and Co were to sign the former, the pertinent issues they could run into if they signed the former is that firstly, he would be unable to replace Savinho — being a natural left-winger and on the left flank, he plays his best football as an inside forward — much like Omar Marmoush.
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However, unlike Marmoush, Rodrygo tends to prefer the ball to feet instead of being an outlet and similarly to Phil Foden, the 24-year-old’s productivity stems from his excellent shooting from in and around the box.
Barcola, who Manchester City scouted can not only be a brilliant heir to Savinho, having thrived on the right-wing but even on his favoured left flank, he brings qualities the Sky Blues sorely do not have in their roster — a prerequisite for big-name signings.
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain and his teammates celebrates the UEFA Champions League victory.
Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
The £38.8 million (Reuters) man comfortably hugs the touchline, is proficient at beating his man out wide, runs in behind defences at will and tends to become quicker over longer distances, a trait which makes him devastating on the break; a blend of characteristics that Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Marmoush lack.
While Pep Guardiola massively admires Rodrygo, his potential inclusion in place of Savinho could also mean Manchester City have an excess of bodies in central areas — having to accommodate Rayan Cherki, either Phil Foden or Oscar Bobb while pushing their full-backs — which may destabilise their attack.
Furthermore, as far as their respective productivity is concerned, Barcola’s goal and assist numbers from last season trump those of Rodrygo in his standout 2022/2023 campaign.
MOST PRODUCTIVE SEASONS BRADLEY BARCOLA: 2024/2025 RODRYGO: 2022/2023
GOALS 21 19
ASSISTS 21 11
If Manchester City were to sign the Frenchman, he would be a better fit in their system — allowing either Foden or Bobb to play alongside Cherki in their 3-4-2-1 setup in possession — with Nunes holding the width on the right flank to help form a dynamic that suits the team as a whole.
Rayan Cherki’s record alongside Bradley Barcola for Lyon and France U-21
With City having an excess of players who thrive in central zones, players like Savinho and Doku have provided a unique dynamic of excelling in wide areas.
Barcola is similar to the Manchester City duo in the aforementioned regard as compared to Rodrygo, while also coming off having a much superior season.
Furthermore, the Paris Saint-Germain speedster may help get the best out of Cherki and vice-versa, considering the pair have played 51 games in tandem for Lyon and France’s U-21 side.
BRADLEY BARCOLA AND RAYAN CHERKI’S RECORD FOR LYON AND FRANCE U-21
APPEARANCES 51
WINS 29
DRAWS 7
LOSSES 15
JOINT-GOAL PARTICIPATION 4
Barcola and Cherki have won 29 matches out of a total of 51, drawing seven and losing 15.
With the former assisting the latter’s three goals while the City midfielder set up one of the PSG wideman’s strikes, the pair would form a lethal partnership if they were reunited at the Etihad Stadium.