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Manchester City could scupper Liverpool’s transfer plans if it decides to make a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo before the window’s deadline on September 1.
Rodrygo has emerged as an interesting figure this summer, with the winger seemingly not part of Xabi Alonso’s strongest XI. Given the quality of the Brazilian, who has impressed on the biggest stage for Real and Brazil over recent years, that will invariably interest Europe’s biggest clubs.
He was an unused substitute last week as Real began the new season with a 1-0 victory over Osasuna, and was also a peripheral figure for Los Blancos at the Club World Cup earlier this summer.
Rodrygo, once a staple of the Real team, has struggled since the signing of Kylian Mbappe last year. The Frenchman’s arrival often forced him to be shoehorned into a right-wing spot last season.
Reports this week claimed former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had omitted him from the Brazil squad for September’s fixtures.
Liverpool has been repeatedly linked with a move for the 24-year-old all summer, especially since the exits of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
But it’s now City being mentioned more regularly in reports, with ESPN stating he could be seen as a replacement for Savinho.
The winger arrived from Troyes last term and is a reported target for Tottenham Hotspur, who travelled to the Etihad on Saturday.
As per ESPN, City is “not ruling out” a move for Rodrygo if Savinho leaves, although Pep Guardiola does not want to lose his current Brazilian forward.
If he were to request a transfer and Spurs submit a sufficient offer, that could pave the way for Rodrygo’s arrival, although it would not be an “easy deal” to complete given Real’s €80 million ($94M/ £69M)valuation of the player.
Ironically, Rodrygo has been a repeated thorn in City’s side when facing the Manchester club in recent years, netting four times and providing two assists in nine appearances against his potential new employers.
Should City sign Rodrygo, it would be seen as a blow to Liverpool, given that a Premier League rival would be adding a player of significant quality while potentially stealing a target from under its nose.
The Reds' chances of making a late move for the former Santos man would likely depend on their interest in Alexander Isak, who remains a top target for the Premier League champions heading into the final nine days of the market.
Meanwhile, City provided a small hint at its transfer plans over the next week by omitting Manuel Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan from the squad to face Spurs on Saturday. Savinho, who Guardiola has claimed is injured, was also missing.
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