“Perez willing to sell: Man City now in talks with “special” Real Madrid ace”

In what has become a pivotal juncture for Manchester City under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, the club appears poised for a significant overhaul following their most challenging season since the Spaniard’s arrival. After four consecutive Premier League titles established a modern dynasty in English football, City’s dramatic fall from grace this season has prompted an aggressive approach to the upcoming transfer window, with Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Rodrygo emerging as a prime target.

Manchester City’s unprecedented domestic dominance came to an abrupt halt this season, with Liverpool reclaiming the Premier League trophy that had resided at the Etihad for four consecutive years. The magnitude of City’s regression has been startling, with Guardiola himself acknowledging they find themselves “a thousand million points behind Liverpool” with just two fixtures remaining in their league campaign.

The statistical drop-off from their quadruple-winning season tells only part of the story. City’s usually impenetrable defense has shown vulnerability, their midfield has frequently been overrun, and their attacking fluidity has diminished noticeably. Most concerning for the Citizens’ faithful is that with just two games remaining in the Premier League calendar, Champions League qualification—once considered a formality for Guardiola’s men—remains unsecured.

Several factors have contributed to City’s unexpected decline this season. Injuries to key personnel—particularly in defense—have disrupted the team’s balance and forced Guardiola into constant tactical readjustments. The departure of İlkay Gündoğan to Barcelona last summer removed a crucial component of City’s midfield engine, with his goals, creativity, and positional intelligence proving impossible to replace adequately.

Additionally, the mental fatigue following last season’s historic treble cannot be underestimated. Few teams have maintained excellence after reaching such heights, and City’s players have appeared physically and mentally depleted throughout much of the campaign. The inspirational Kevin De Bruyne has struggled for consistent fitness, while Erling Haaland—despite continuing to score—has often appeared isolated in attack.

Manchester City’s response to this challenging season appears to be decisive action in the transfer market. The club’s hierarchy, led by Director of Football Txiki Begiristain, recognizes the need for fresh impetus and has identified key areas for reinforcement. Rather than minor adjustments, reports suggest City are targeting statement signings to reinvigorate the squad.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz has emerged as a primary target following his instrumental role in Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga champions. The 22-year-old German international represents the creative future of European football, with his vision, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing making him one of the continent’s most coveted young talents.

However, it is the pursuit of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo that signals City’s most ambitious intent. According to reports from Spain, Manchester City have established direct contact with the Brazilian winger regarding a potential summer transfer. This approach comes amid reports that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez may be willing to sanction Rodrygo’s departure “for the right price” as the club looks to accommodate new attacking talent.

Rodrygo’s potential arrival at Manchester City would offer Guardiola multiple tactical possibilities. The Brazilian’s ability to operate effectively on either flank, through the center, or as a withdrawn forward would provide City with a multidimensional attacking threat capable of unlocking the most stubborn defenses.

Any move for Rodrygo would represent a significant financial investment for Manchester City. While no official valuation has been disclosed, estimates suggest Real Madrid would demand a fee in excess of £80 million for the Brazilian international, whose contract at the Bernabéu runs until 2028. For City’s rivals, this determination should be cause for significant concern as the Citizens look to bounce back stronger next season.