Manchester United are reportedly “leading the race” to sign Rodrygo as the Real Madrid winger draws closer to a dramatic exit from the Bernabeu.
Rodrygo, 24, was a crucial part of the Madrid side which secured an imperious Liga and Champions League double last season.
The Brazilian international scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions during the campaign, but it was his unrelenting work-rate and selflessness which made the skilful winger stand out.
The signing of French superstar Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer has unsettled the balance of the Madrid attack this season, however.
Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to find a formula which fits Mbappe and Rodrygo into a functioning attack alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior. Rodrygo has often been the victim of this imbalanced ‘quadro’ with less goals, assists and minutes on the pitch this season than last.
As a result, Madrid crashed out of the Champions League in the quarter-final stage against Arsenal and are currently second in La Liga, four points off leaders Barcelona.
Los Blancos’ bitter rivals also triumphed in the Copa del Rey final last weekend, beating Madrid 3-2, in what proved to be the final straw for Ancelotti’s time in the Spanish capital as it was confirmed the Italian coach would be leaving at the end of the season.
However, it now appears Rodrygo could be set to follow his manager through the exit door at the Bernabeu if a “big-money bid lands from the Premier League,” The Sun relays – with Old Trafford suggested as the most likely destination for the 24-year-old this summer, ahead of Premier League rival Arsenal.
“The 20-time Brazil international is ready to pack his bags and seek a new challenge, according to reports in the Spanish media.
“Real are believed to be looking for around £85million to let the Brazilian leave. Arsenal have been linked with a move, but it’s Manchester United who are reportedly leading the chase as they search for a statement signing for next season.”
The exorbitant transfer fee would prove difficult for the Red Devils to meet given the club’s financial difficulties, owing to the acute pressure of PSR.
But success in the Europa League this season – with a semi-final clash against Athletic Club this week – could offer both the prospect of Champions League football and a huge cash injection for United to use as negotiating gambits with Rodrygo’s representatives.
This remains a report The Peoples Person are sceptical of, given the unlikely idea Rodrygo would choose a side currently languished in 14th in the Premier League as his next destination, but if INEOS could pull off a sensational swoop it would arm Amorim with one of Europe’s elite attacking prospects to radically improving his misfiring forward line.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
