- Rodrygo has 17 goals and nine assists in 50 appearances in all competitions
- The 23-year-old’s deal runs until 2028 following a November contract extension
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Manchester City could be set to swoop for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo this summer following his recent praise of the Premier League champions, reports in Spain claim.
Pep Guardiola‘s side were dumped out of the Champions League by the Spanish giants, who have the chance to win a record-extending 15th European Cup on Saturday against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
Ahead of the fixture, the Brazilian reflected on Los Blancos‘ run to the final and showered City with praise, lauding them as ‘the best team in the world.’
This untimely comment has sparked speculation that the 23-year-old could swap the Bernabeu for the Etihad, though, according to Marca, Rodrygo is keen to remain with Carlo Ancelotti‘s side.
The outlet report that City meanwhile, are assessing his situation at the club, having deemed him to be a ‘desirable’ addition to the roster.
Rodrygo has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City following his recent praise of the Premier League champions
The 23-year-old scored in each leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final win over City
City reportedly see the Brazilian forward as a ‘desirable’ option this summer. (Pictured: City boss Pep Guardiola)
Rodryo has played an important part in Real Madrid’s success this season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions and providing nine assists. He is the club’s joint-top scorer in the Champions League along with his compatriot Vinicius Jr.
He signed a contract extension with Madrid in November that runs until 2028.
But the expected arrival of Kylian Mbappe this summer has cast doubt on his level of involvement next term.
Rodrygo has been fielded in a central position for the majority of the campaign, with Vinicius in his preferred position on the left.
The winger’s placement is unlikely to change with Mbappe’s arrival, leading many to conclude that Rodrygo will be the player to pay the price for the French superstar’s long-awaited move.
For now, he reportedly remains keen on continuing with the club and will likely start Saturday’s Champions League final at Wembley.
During his interview with GQ Hype (via Marca), Rodrygo dismissed claims that Madrid were favourites for the match and insisted the game could go either way.
‘It’s said that Real Madrid never lose finals, and I hope that’s the case again.’ He said. ‘I’ve always seen Madrid win all the finals, and I hope it stays that way.
‘I always say a final is 50-50. Of course, because it’s us, they always put us as favourites, but for me it’s still 50-50.’
The expected arrival of Kylian Mbappe could see Rodrygo’s minutes drastically reduce next term
‘To be honest, we knew they were better.’ He added on their quarter-final win over City. ‘For me they are 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 Dortmund, it will be very difficult as well.’
