It is expected that there will be significant consequences following the departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City at the end of the season, and there is a very real possibility that we will see many of the stars depart from the Etihad Stadium in large numbers. The end of an era at one of the most dominant teams in Europe, may also present opportunities to rival teams to raid, and no one is better positioned to do so than Real Madrid.
It has been reported by Diario Sport that Real Madrid are drawing up plans for an attacking operation to plunder some key members of Manchester City’s squad this summer and have identified their top priorities, and although the ambitions of Los Blancos in this regard appear to be huge and ambitious they certainly fit with the club’s financial clout and status.
Topping the list is midfielder Rodri, considered one of the very best midfielders in world football, and one of the key reasons behind the City success. The Spaniard has only next year left on his contract at the Etihad, and Madrid feel there is no better time than now to lure him to the Bernabeu and indeed reports say he wishes to one day play for Los Merengues. However this move is thought to depend largely on new manager Jose Mourinho’s decisions.
Equally if not more audacious, Real Madrid are also believed to be chasing the phenomenal Erling Haaland after he broke records at an astonishing pace since arriving in Manchester, he is considered one of the best complete centre forwards in world football today, the club have always been keen on the 23-year-old, and following Guardiola’s departure this could be the moment when he is tempted to leave the Etihad to move to La Liga, although this would rely on him being convinced to move by the allure of Real Madrid or possibly a plea from Mourinho, with only a massive world record bid seeming likely to succeed due to his massive contract which runs until 2034.
But the ambition doesn’t end there; three more Manchester City stars are believed to be on the radar, starting with Josko Gvardiol, who has emerged as one of Europe’s elite young centre backs, and his blend of physicality, technical ability and calmness on the ball is a trait Madrid often desire. Tijjani Reijnders then, a player who has massively impressed since moving to England from the Netherlands has shown excellent energy, creativity and goal scoring ability in his midfield displays, making him a potential top-class addition for any team in the world, including Real Madrid.
Possibly the most ambitious, but arguably the most fitting player that Real Madrid could sign this summer is Bernardo Silva, arguably one of the most intelligent and technically gifted players of his generation who has been linked with a move away from Manchester City on several occasions previously. If Guardiola’s exit does instigate a large change at the Etihad, then perhaps the Portuguese star will finally seal the rumored transfer to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid’s message this summer appears to be that they are arriving and Manchester City will be bearing the brunt of their ambition.
