Manchester City target Rodrygo returned to Real Madrid’s starting XI as they won 3-0 against Real Oviedo.
The Brazilian took Vinicius Jr’s place on the left-wing but eventually, the 24-year-old’s countryman took his place and grabbed an assist followed by a late goal.
Manchester City could sign Rodrygo late into the transfer window but as things stand, his future still seems uncertain.
A few days ago, Fabrizio Romano reported that Pep Guardiola’s side remain keen to sign the two-time Champions League winner if Tottenham Hotspur target Savinho departs the Etihad Stadium.
🚨⚠️ Zero minutes again for Rodrygo tonight as he was unused sub against Osasuna.
Manchester City want Rodrygo but will only try if Savinho goes to Tottenham — and that move is still not advancing, blocked by #MCFC hierarchy as of now. pic.twitter.com/aA7RDfhxlW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2025
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Rodrygo still has three years left on his contract at Real Madrid but throughout the summer, he has been strongly linked with a potential exit.
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Manchester City News revealed that Rodrygo fancies working with Pep Guardiola if he were to leave the Spanish capital before the end of the summer transfer window.
City will be keeping a close eye on the former Santos winger’s displays and it seemed like he turned heads on Sunday.
Diario AS praised Manchester City target Rodrygo as he looked bright for Real Madrid against Real Oviedo, as they wrote: “After a bleak performance since that matchday one against Al Hilal, he’s a starter. On the left, his place. Where his style of play fits most easily. And aware that he was centrestage, he raised his voice. Very involved, electric, especially in the first half.”
Rodrygo in action against Kwasi Sibo during Real Oviedo v Real Madrid
Photo by Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/Soccrates/Getty Images
“From whistle to whistle. He made several brilliant passes and forced Escandell to take out his gloves on the first opportunity of the match. He also linked up very frequently in the first 45 minutes, and with success (passes made, 47/49 times, 96% accuracy). Remarkable.”
While Mundo Deportivo were not as complimentary, they noted that there were moments where Rodrygo reminded the world why he remains a top-class attacker, writing: “The Brazilian started and played where he prefers, on the left. He showed flashes of brilliance.”
Rodrygo stats during Real Oviedo vs Real Madrid
For Manchester City, it would be encouraging to discover that the decorated wideman looked the part in his latest outing.
The stats paint a picture of how the highly-rated technician fared.
RODRYGO STATS VS REAL OVIEDO
SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES 1/4 (25%)
PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD 1
TOUCHES IN THE OPPOSITION BOX 7
TOTAL SHOTS 4
Manchester City have held talks to sign Rodrygo and if they do get their hands on the winger, they would be hoping he puts in more productive performances and completes more dribbles.
However, until Savinho leaves Tottenham, it seems unlikely that Real Madrid’s number 11 will make his way to the Etihad Stadium.