In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is leaving no stone unturned to bolster his squad for the 2025-26 season. With the transfer window nearing its September 1 deadline, Guardiola has set his sights on Real Madrid’s electrifying forward Rodrygo, a player hailed as a “world-class superstar” by club legend Luka Modric. This pursuit comes on the heels of a significant agreement with Paris Saint-Germain’s star goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, signaling City’s ambition to reclaim their dominance after a trophyless 2024-25 campaign. As the Etihad Stadium braces for a transformative season, Guardiola’s relentless drive to secure top talent promises to reshape the squad and reignite their pursuit of silverware.
The interest in Rodrygo, a 24-year-old Brazilian winger, stems from Manchester City’s need to revitalize their attacking line. The departure of key players like Jack Grealish, who joined Everton on loan, James McAtee, set to move to Nottingham Forest, and Savinho, who is keen on a switch to Tottenham Hotspur, has left gaps in City’s forward ranks. Rodrygo, with his blend of pace, flair, and clinical finishing, has emerged as Guardiola’s “dream target.” The three-time LaLiga and two-time Champions League winner has been a standout at Real Madrid, though his game time has been a mix of starts and substitute appearances. A move to City would offer him a platform to shine as a regular starter, particularly on the left wing, where he can cut in on his preferred right foot. “This interest from City is surely a confession they’ve made mistakes letting players like Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer go,” noted Brazilian football expert Tim Vickery, highlighting City’s intent to correct past transfer missteps.
Guardiola’s admiration for Rodrygo is no secret, with reports indicating that the manager is “willing to go to any lengths” to secure the €100 million (£86.2 million) star. City have initiated contact with Rodrygo’s entourage to gauge his interest, and early indications suggest the player is open to the move. The club’s financial muscle, bolstered by their recent spending on players like James Trafford, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki, positions them to meet Real Madrid’s hefty valuation, provided they offload additional players like McAtee and Savinho. “Real Madrid are open to letting Rodrygo go this summer, but they want an important transfer fee,” said transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, underscoring the high stakes of the deal. For Rodrygo, the prospect of working under Guardiola and competing for major trophies at the Etihad is a tantalizing opportunity to elevate his career.
The pursuit of Rodrygo follows City’s agreement on personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper who has announced his departure from PSG after a contract standoff. Donnarumma, lauded as “sensational” by Guardiola after standout performances in the Champions League, is seen as a potential replacement for Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Galatasaray. “I am 100 per cent responsible,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique, confirming his decision to drop Donnarumma in favor of Lille’s Lucas Chevalier. Donnarumma, in a heartfelt farewell to PSG fans, reflected, “From the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain.” City’s interest in the Ballon d’Or-nominated goalkeeper, who kept 17 clean sheets in 47 appearances last season, is contingent on Ederson’s future, with negotiations ongoing for a €25-30 million transfer fee. However, Guardiola remained coy, stating, “Ederson didn’t come to me and say, ‘I want to leave’… What’s going to happen, nobody knows.”
The potential arrivals of Donnarumma and Rodrygo signal a bold new chapter for Manchester City, who are also navigating the backdrop of ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges. Premier League CEO Richard Masters recently expressed “frustration” over the unresolved case, but City remain confident in their position. On the pitch, their focus is clear: rebuild and conquer. Rodrygo’s versatility and proven pedigree would complement City’s attacking options, particularly alongside Jeremy Doku, their only right-footed winger. Meanwhile, Donnarumma’s arrival would bolster a goalkeeping department that already includes James Trafford, signed for £27 million from Burnley, though his role could be impacted by the Italian’s potential signing. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague noted Guardiola’s high regard for Donnarumma, saying, “He considers him among the top three goalkeepers in the world,” though he questioned his fit due to weaker distribution compared to Ederson.
As City prepare for their Premier League opener against Wolves on August 16, 2025, the anticipation around these blockbuster moves is palpable. Guardiola’s vision to blend Rodrygo’s attacking dynamism with Donnarumma’s world-class shot-stopping reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. With the Club World Cup looming as a chance for redemption, City’s transfer strategy is a statement of intent. Whether Rodrygo swaps the Bernabeu for the Etihad remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Guardiola is pulling out all the stops to ensure Manchester City return to their trophy-winning ways.
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