Real Madrid forward remains ‘appreciated’ by Pep Guardiola following Manchester City summer interest | OneFootball

Manchester City seemingly continue to have one eye on the progress and performances of Rodrygo at Real Madrid having shown interest in the Brazilian over the summer.

While the Premier League giants ultimately decided against making any serious approach for the 24-year-old, their admiration for the Real Madrid forward appears to have been long-standing and remains in place.

City’s internal discussions during the summer centred on the potential of signing Rodrygo in the event that Savinho departed – a scenario that never came to fruition thanks to decisive action from club executives, but seemed a genuine possibility amid interest from Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola and senior figures ultimately chose to block Savinho’s exit to North London despite an expectation for an offer in excess of €70 million, instead believing the young winger’s ceiling was too high to risk losing him.

That stance taken within the club was then followed up by Savinho being rewarded for his development and loyalty through a new contract running until the summer of 2031. However, Guardiola’s admiration for Rodrygo appears to have remained strong.

Speaking during his latest transfer update on YouTube, transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano has said that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes remains a player ‘appreciated’ by Guardiola.

Reflecting on Manchester City’s interest from the recent summer window, Romano explained, “Rodrygo Goes, last summer, was an option for Manchester City.

“In the summer, Rodrygo was the main option wanted by Pep Guardiola if Savinho left. Savinho ended up staying, not joining Tottenham despite proposals. And Manchester City extended his contract in the recent weeks, so that’s the situation of Savinho.”

Romano continued by reaffirming, “Rodrygo remains a player appreciated by Pep Guardiola, but no fresh contacts took place since then, and that was August – so three, four months ago.”

Looking ahead, Manchester City’s appreciation of Rodrygo could resurface depending on how both players evolve over the coming seasons. The Brazilian pair share stylistic similarities – direct, technically gifted, and capable of operating on either flank – perhaps fitting the flexible, fast-paced attacking style Guardiola has rebuilt this season.

Much will also depend on Savinho’s continued development at the Etihad Stadium. If he fulfils Pep Guardiola’s expectations and transforms his potential into consistent goal contributions, Manchester City may have little need to revisit their interest in Rodrygo.

But should opportunities arise in future transfer windows, and if Real Madrid open the door to a deal, the Catalan coach’s long-standing admiration could ensure Rodrygo’s name reappears on Manchester City’s radar once again.