As the 2025 summer transfer window approaches, Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Rodrygo Goes finds himself at the heart of speculation about a potential move to Manchester City. With Xabi Alonso stepping into the managerial role at the Santiago Bernabeu, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who departed for the Brazil national team, the 24-year-old forward has had candid discussions with the new coach about his future. Rodrygo, a key figure in Madrid’s two Champions League and three La Liga triumphs, reportedly told Alonso, “Mister, I will stay at Real Madrid if you want me to continue,” signaling his desire to remain but with a clear condition: he needs to feel valued in Alonso’s vision. Despite interest from Premier League giants like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United, Rodrygo’s commitment to Madrid hinges on his role under Alonso, making their conversation a pivotal moment in a summer filled with uncertainty.
Rodrygo’s tenure at Real Madrid, which began with a €45 million move from Santos in 2019, has been marked by clutch performances. His brace in the 2022 Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, scoring twice in stoppage time to force extra time, and his goals in the 2023 Copa del Rey final against Osasuna cemented his status as a big-game player. This season, he has contributed 13 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances, respectable numbers that pale compared to teammates Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham. The arrival of Mbappé in 2024 pushed Rodrygo to the right wing, a position he finds less comfortable than his preferred left flank. “Often, I’m just filling spaces,” he said last September while on Brazil duty, expressing frustration at being deployed out of position. “Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.”
Manchester City’s interest, fueled by Pep Guardiola’s admiration, has intensified amid their need to replace Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid. City reportedly prepared a €100 million (£85 million) offer, with talks held between Rodrygo’s representatives and club officials. However, Rodrygo has consistently rebuffed advances, including a blank-cheque offer from City last summer and a €140 million salary package from Al-Hilal. “I would like to stay at Real Madrid for life,” he told GQ Hype, emphasizing his dream to become a club legend. Alonso, in his first press conference as Madrid’s manager on May 26, 2025, backed his star, stating, “Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid. Rodrygo is a spectacular player—and we will need him.” This public endorsement suggests Alonso sees Rodrygo as integral to his plans, potentially on the left wing, where the Brazilian believes he performs best.
The context of Madrid’s disappointing 2024-25 season—failing to win La Liga, the Champions League, or the Copa del Rey—adds pressure to Alonso’s rebuild. Rodrygo’s camp has indicated he’s open to staying if Alonso’s system prioritizes his strengths, but a lack of guaranteed starts could push him toward City, where he could thrive as a left winger. Arsenal and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation, with United eyeing him alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel predicted Rodrygo “will probably go to Manchester City,” citing his fit in Guardiola’s system, but Rodrygo’s social media retort, “Stop making things up,” dismissed such speculation. Madrid’s €1 billion release clause and president Florentino Perez’s reluctance to sell further complicate any transfer.
Rodrygo’s conversation with Alonso reflects a player torn between loyalty and ambition. His versatility, praised by Ancelotti as making him a “complete forward,” has been both a blessing and a curse, often relegating him to a supporting role. As Alonso shapes his squad, potentially incorporating new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, Rodrygo’s future will depend on whether he can reclaim a starring role. For now, his words to Alonso—“Mister, I will stay if you want me to continue”—set the stage for a defining summer at the Bernabeu.
# Rodrygo’s Future at Real Madrid Hinges on Alonso’s Plans
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has told new manager Xabi Alonso, “Mister, I will stay at Real Madrid if you want me to continue,” amid speculation about a €100 million move to Manchester City. The 24-year-old, who joined from Santos in 2019, has won two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles but faces uncertainty after a trophyless 2024-25 season.
## A Versatile Star’s Frustration
Rodrygo’s 13 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances this season trail behind Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham. Deployed on the right wing due to Mbappé’s arrival, he expressed frustration last September: “Often, I’m just filling spaces. Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That’s it. It may get in my way a little, but I’m a team player.” He believes he excels on the left wing.
## Manchester City’s Pursuit
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, see Rodrygo as a replacement for Julian Alvarez. Despite a €100 million offer and talks with his entourage, Rodrygo rejected a blank-cheque deal last summer and a €140 million salary from Al-Hilal, stating: “I would like to stay at Real Madrid for life.” Alonso, in his May 26, 2025, press conference, said: “Rodrygo is a Real Madrid player, and I will speak with everyone who is part of Real Madrid. Rodrygo is a spectacular player—and we will need him.”
## Alonso’s Vision
Alonso’s appointment follows Madrid’s failure to win major trophies. Rodrygo’s camp is open to staying if Alonso prioritizes his left-wing role, but interest from Arsenal and Manchester United persists. Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel predicted Rodrygo “will probably go to Manchester City,” though Rodrygo retorted, “Stop making things up.”
## A Defining Summer
With a €1 billion release clause and president Florentino Perez’s support, Rodrygo’s exit is not imminent. His conversation with Alonso underscores his desire to stay, but only if valued in the new system, setting up a pivotal transfer window for the Brazilian star.
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