Sources: Man City told they must sell star man before signing Rodrygo
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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sun 31 August 2025 9:15, UK
Man City have been told the “only way” they will agree a deal to sign Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is if they cash in on Savinho first.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 24-year-old’s future under Xabi Alonso in the transfer window’s closing stages.
At this stage, any move for the winger is considered “highly unlikely”, with Pep Guardiola‘s focus likely to be set on other targets before the window closes.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 29 August that Rodrygo is happy at Real Madrid and has no intention of leaving before the 1 September deadline.
The Brazil international has always prioritised saying with Los Blancos as long as he was playing regularly, while Madrid are set to demand a “huge” fee to let him go.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 29 August that Man City are not willing to sell Savinho and are planning to price Tottenham out of a late move.
Credit: IMAGO
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 21 August that Rodrygo’s representatives have held talks with Man City and Liverpool about a potential blockbuster move.
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Savinho, meanwhile, had been subject to intense interest from Tottenham after Thomas Frank identified him as a key target to strengthen his attacking options.
O’Rourke explained that a deal for Rodrygo would be “very difficult” to pull off, and would only happen should Savinho leave the Etihad before the transfer deadline.
“The Rodrygo deal looks very difficult to do,” he told Football Insider.
“He was back in the Madrid starting lineup against Oviedo and I think the player, he’s happy at Madrid as long as he’s getting minutes.
“And Madrid, if they were to sell him, they’ll be looking at huge fee for a signature as well.
Credit: Imago
“So late in the window, I would say it’s highly unlikely that Man City will push to try and get a deal done for Rodrygo.
“Especially with City looking like they’re keeping hold of Savinho.
“I think the only way the Rodrygo move would only ever happen is if Savinho was sold.
“They would then use that money to go and sign his replacement in the Real Madrid man.”
Alongside speculation about Savinho’s future, another player who could be leaving the Etihad in the window’s closing stages is Manuel Akanji.
Football Insider revealed on 30 August that City are ready to accept offers for Akanji after Tottenham and AC Milan joined the race for his signature.
Credit: Imago
Spurs are one of a number of teams interested in the centre-back, who could be allowed to leave the Etihad if “the right offer” comes in over the next few days.
Tottenham have made an approach for Akanji, while the likes of Galatasaray, AC Milan and Crystal Palace have also been linked with moves in recent weeks.
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