Manchester City explored the possibility of signing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo during the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian never had any interest in leaving the Spanish giants, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio Romano: Rodrygo Never Wanted Manchester City Move This Summer
City’s transfer activity was largely settled before the FIFA Club World Cup, yet Tottenham Hotspur’s late push for Savinho created unexpected drama.
Pep Guardiola viewed Rodrygo as a potential replacement if Spurs had managed to lure Savinho away from the Etihad.
Despite limited game time under new coach Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo was not tempted by a switch to England.
Romano explained that City’s interest was genuine, but the forward’s commitment to Real Madrid remained strong throughout.
“The interest from Manchester City was very strong and concrete,” Romano revealed on his YouTube channel.
“But it was linked to Savinho’s future. If he had joined Tottenham, City were ready to try for Rodrygo. However, the Brazilian never opened the door to leaving Madrid.”
Importantly, Manchester City never submitted a formal bid to Real Madrid. Talks stayed at an internal stage, with Guardiola identifying Rodrygo as the preferred option for attacking reinforcement.
Still, the 24-year-old was determined to fight for his place at the Bernabéu rather than seek a new challenge.
Rodrygo’s stance sends a clear message of loyalty despite his current struggles in the Spanish capital.
He has slipped down the pecking order since Alonso’s arrival, but his priority remains proving himself to both the coach and the club.
Real Madrid also made their position clear, with intermediaries told that any deal would require at least €100m, possibly rising to €120m.
That valuation, combined with Rodrygo’s desire to stay, meant City’s interest never developed into serious negotiations.
For now, the winger remains focused on regaining form and trust at Madrid, while Manchester City will continue to rely on Savinho as part of their attacking setup.
