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Rodrygo Sends Emphatic Message Over Real Madrid Transfer Saga After Preseason Victory

The Brazilian winger found the back of the net in Los Blancos’ 4–0 victory over WSG Tirol.

Tom Gott

Rodrygo can leave Real Madrid for the right price.
Rodrygo can leave Real Madrid for the right price. / IMAGO/CordonPress

Rodrygo has appeared to pledge his commitment to Real Madrid in the face of interest from Manchester City, with a report revealing Pep Guardiola’s personal plea to the Brazil international.

With City agreeing to loan out Jack Grealish and progressing in talks to sell both Savinho and James McAtee, to Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest respectively, the Manchester outfit are understood to be considering a move for Rodrygo, who is described as a “dream target” for Guardiola.

The links came one week after it was claimed that Rodrygo had already decided to stay and fight for his future in Madrid, aware he faces a battle to prove himself to new manager Xabi Alonso after a summer which brought limited minutes at the Club World Cup.

Rodrygo once again found himself on the bench in Real Madrid’s preseason friendly against WSG Tirol, but he made a splash in just 29 minutes on the pitch, scoring his first goal in 16 matches.

The 24-year-old took to social media following the club’s 4–0 victory, writing, “Que empiece 25/26,” which translates to “Let it begin 25/26.”

The message aligns with Rodrygo’s earlier post on social media ahead of the match. He shared an image advertising the game, but his choice of the message, “HALA MADRID,” accompanied by a white heart could be interpreted as an indication of his loyalties.

Reflecting on Rodrygo’s uncertain future in Madrid, MARCA reveal a phone conversation between the Brazil winger and City manager Guardiola back in 2024 after the two sides met in the Champions League knockout stage.

Guardiola is said to have spoken at length to Rodrygo and his entourage about a possible move to City. At the time, the 24-year-old was not interested—his love for Madrid is no secret—but a significant drop in minutes could force him into a rethink.

Fabrizio Romano adds that Guardiola is now “pushing” for City to make a move for Rodrygo, who will be allowed to leave Madrid if he requests an exit and a significant bid arrives.

A price tag of €100 million (£86.5 million, $116.2 million) has been set by Madrid. Los Blancos are happy to hold on to Rodrygo, who has not yet communicated a strong interest in leaving.

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Tom Gott
TOM GOTT

Tom Gott is a writer, reporter and editor for Sports Illustrated FC. A lifelong Chelsea fan and academy football enthusiast, he spends far too much time on Football Manager.

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