The future of Real Madrid’s dynamic attacker Rodrygo Goes has taken a dramatic turn as reports emerge that his father, Eric Goes, has held discussions with representatives from Manchester City. The news, first reported by Okdiario’s chief pundit Eduardo Inda on the Spanish television program El Chiringuito, has reignited speculation about the Brazilian star’s next move as his role at the Santiago Bernabeu continues to be scrutinized.
According to Inda, the meeting between Eric Goes and Manchester City officials took place several weeks ago, despite denials from Rodrygo’s camp. “They tell me that the father of Rodrygo Goes has gone to talk,” Inda stated. “He saw people from Manchester City a few weeks ago, and they insist that he go play with Pep Guardiola. They offer him to play on the left flank, which is what the kid and the father want.” The proposal reportedly includes a significant salary increase and a guaranteed starting position on the left wing—a role currently occupied by Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid.
Rodrygo, 24, has been a key figure for Real Madrid since joining from Santos in 2019 for €45 million. With 54 goals and 41 assists in 216 appearances, he has played an integral part in the club’s recent successes, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs. However, the arrival of Mbappe last summer has intensified competition for places in Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded attack, often relegating Rodrygo to the right wing or a substitute role—positions he has publicly acknowledged as less than ideal.
Manchester City’s interest in Rodrygo is not new. The Premier League champions, managed by Pep Guardiola, have been linked with the versatile forward for over a year, with reports of a rejected offer surfacing last summer. City’s pursuit appears to be heating up as they prepare for a squad overhaul, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva potentially nearing the end of their tenures at the Etihad Stadium. Rodrygo’s pace, technical ability, and adaptability make him an appealing target for Guardiola, who is known to admire the Brazilian’s skill set.
The talks come at a pivotal moment for Rodrygo, whose contract with Real Madrid runs until 2028 and includes a €1 billion release clause. While he has repeatedly expressed his happiness at the club—most notably in a social media post last year refuting exit rumors—his father’s reported discussions with City suggest that alternative options are being explored. “Real Madrid cannot guarantee this playing chance because it is for Vinicius and Mbappe,” Inda added, highlighting the positional logjam that may be driving this development.
Manchester City’s pitch to Rodrygo and his father appears tailored to address these concerns, offering both financial incentives and a starring role in Guardiola’s system. Whether this will be enough to lure him away from the Spanish capital remains uncertain. Real Madrid, for their part, have shown no public indication of willingness to sell, and any transfer would likely require a blockbuster fee to pry him from the Bernabeu.