REVEALED: Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of Rodrygo — and the Brazilian is back on Man City’s wishlist.

Manchester City’s transfer radar has once again locked onto one of Real Madrid’s brightest attacking talents — Rodrygo Goes. According to fresh reports, Pep Guardiola has been an admirer of the Brazilian for years, and with City’s attacking plans for next season taking shape, the 23-year-old is firmly back in the conversation at the Etihad Stadium.

The situation could intensify if Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City finalize a deal for exciting winger Savinho. Sources suggest that if that move is completed, Rodrygo would quickly become City’s top priority target, as Guardiola looks to refresh his forward options and add even more unpredictability to his side’s attacking play.

Guardiola’s admiration for Rodrygo is no secret in football circles. The Spaniard has followed his development since his early days at Santos and has been impressed by the way the winger has adapted to European football. At Real Madrid, Rodrygo has built a reputation for scoring in big games, combining composure, pace, and technical quality — traits that Guardiola values immensely.

However, signing him will be far from straightforward. Real Madrid have placed a starting price tag of €100 million on Rodrygo, making him one of the most expensive potential transfers in the market. This valuation reflects not only his current ability but also his age and room for further development. For Madrid, he’s a player who can still reach an even higher ceiling in the coming years.

The second — and perhaps bigger — obstacle is Rodrygo’s emotional connection to Los Blancos. Since arriving in 2019, the Brazilian has repeatedly expressed his deep love for the club, calling it his “dream team” and emphasizing that playing for Real Madrid was a lifelong ambition. He has also formed strong bonds with teammates like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, making any departure emotionally complex.

Yet, football has a way of surprising even the most loyal players. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has intensified competition for attacking positions at the Bernabéu, and Rodrygo’s minutes could be affected in the upcoming season. While he remains a crucial figure for Carlo Ancelotti, the tactical reshuffles required to fit Madrid’s attacking stars might create moments of uncertainty for him.

Manchester City, meanwhile, are masters of seizing opportunities when elite talents become even slightly unsettled. Guardiola is known for his persuasive approach when courting top players, often speaking directly about how they would fit into his tactical vision. For Rodrygo, the idea of playing under one of football’s greatest tacticians, in one of the most dominant teams in Europe, could be tempting — even if leaving Madrid feels unimaginable now.

Still, City would have to present a package that not only convinces Real Madrid financially but also appeals to Rodrygo personally. Beyond the transfer fee, the Premier League champions would likely need to offer a long-term project where the Brazilian would be a central figure rather than just another superstar in a crowded squad.

For Madrid fans, the thought of losing Rodrygo is unsettling. His knack for scoring in Champions League knockout ties, his work rate off the ball, and his ability to link play between midfield and attack make him an irreplaceable asset in the eyes of many supporters. Selling him would only make sense if the club is confident in its depth and future plans — and even then, the backlash could be significant.

As things stand, this potential transfer sits in the realm of speculation rather than certainty. City’s interest is real, Guardiola’s admiration is genuine, and the conditions for a possible approach are slowly forming. But the road to signing Rodrygo is full of hurdles — financial, emotional, and competitive — that make this pursuit one of the more intriguing sagas to watch in the coming transfer windows.

Whether this story ends with Rodrygo lighting up the Etihad or staying loyal to the Santiago Bernabéu, one thing is certain: his talent is so rare that clubs like Manchester City will never stop trying. And for Guardiola, the dream of coaching him remains as strong as ever.