According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Manchester City has made a radical change to its transfer plans—an unexpected move that has sparked interest among observers, especially after months of sustained interest in Barcelona winger Raphinha. Although the Brazilian had seemed like a primary target for Pep Guardiola, the English club’s management has recently decided to pull out of the deal and shift their focus to Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes.
This decision did not come out of nowhere. According to sources within the club, Pep Guardiola and his technical team have concluded that negotiating with Barcelona over Raphinha is futile. The Catalan club has no intention of selling him, and the player himself—now a key figure in Hansi Flick’s squad—has shown no desire to leave Camp Nou. Raphinha has earned the coach’s confidence this season and become an essential part of the attacking lineup, gradually extinguishing any possibility of a move to City.
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On the other hand, the situation is entirely different for Rodrygo. The Brazilian winger has struggled to maintain consistency this season at Real Madrid, particularly with the emergence of Jude Bellingham and the impending arrival of Kylian Mbappé, which have significantly reduced his role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. His omission from the Ballon d’Or nominations and absence in decisive moments have left him more open to considering other options.
According to sources close to the club, Rodrygo has already instructed his agent to explore available opportunities, with Manchester City listed among the most interested parties. Reports suggest that City is prepared to make an offer of up to €100 million—a figure Real Madrid considers appropriate to initiate formal negotiations.
At the Santiago Bernabéu, club officials are not opposed to exploring the offer. Rodrygo’s potential departure would provide the club with greater financial flexibility to pursue other key targets such as Florian Wirtz, Martín Zubimendi, and the highly rated youngster Youssef Houssen. It would also open the door for Arda Güler to step into a more prominent role, as he continues to wait for an opportunity to showcase his talent.
For Pep Guardiola, Rodrygo is not merely a substitute for Raphinha but a strategic, long-term acquisition. The Catalan coach views the Brazilian as a versatile and technically gifted attacker capable of unlocking tight defenses. Rodrygo’s youth and European experience make him a fitting piece in City’s evolving project and near-future ambitions.
