Transfer rumors, news: Man City still keen on Rodrygo

The pursuit of Rodrygo by Manchester City underscores a strategic approach by Pep Guardiola’s side to bolster their already formidable attacking options. According to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, City’s appreciation for the 24-year-old Brazil international remains undiminished. While a January move is considered improbable, a potential transfer in the summer of 2026 is viewed as more likely, with an estimated valuation in the region of €80 million. This figure reflects Rodrygo’s talent, age, and international experience, having already cemented his place as a key figure for the Brazilian national team.

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has been a topic of growing speculation. Despite his undeniable talent and crucial contributions in past seasons, particularly in UEFA Champions League campaigns, his playing time in LaLiga has been somewhat limited this season. With only two starts in the Spanish top flight to date, the competition for minutes among Real Madrid’s elite attacking roster, which includes Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Brahim Diaz, alongside potential future arrivals, has made his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu uncertain. While reports from various outlets had previously linked Chelsea with an exploratory move for Rodrygo, Romano indicates that the London club is not actively pursuing the player at this juncture. Manchester City, renowned for their squad depth and tactical flexibility under Guardiola, could offer Rodrygo a prominent role and consistent playing time, potentially appealing to a player seeking to maximize his development and impact. City’s current attacking setup, featuring established stars like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish, would nonetheless present its own competitive environment, albeit one perhaps more conducive to Rodrygo’s specific attributes as a wide forward capable of operating on either flank or through the middle.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping a close eye on West Ham United’s dynamic forward, Jarrod Bowen. Football Insider suggests that the 28-year-old England international has attracted significant attention from the two English giants. Bowen has been a standout performer for West Ham since his arrival, playing a pivotal role in their recent successes, including their UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2023. His consistent goal-scoring ability and relentless work rate have made him one of the most effective attackers outside the Premier League’s traditional ‘big six’.

West Ham, however, are understood to be in a strong negotiating position. Bowen committed his future to the club in 2023, signing a seven-year extension that ties him to the London Stadium until the summer of 2030. This lengthy contract means that the Hammers would only contemplate his departure if they receive an "irresistible" offer, a figure that would likely need to significantly exceed his market valuation to tempt them into selling such a crucial asset.

Related News :

ESPN’s Beth Lindop offered an expert perspective on Liverpool’s reported interest in Bowen. Lindop noted that comparisons with Mohamed Salah, due to Bowen’s profile as an explosive left-footed right winger, have been inevitable. She highlighted Bowen’s impressive statistical output, even within a West Ham team that has at times struggled for consistency. In the calendar year 2025, Bowen’s tally of open-play goals in the Premier League reportedly surpassed all but Erling Haaland and Bryan Mbeumo, underscoring his clinical finishing and attacking prowess. However, Lindop raised pertinent questions regarding the financial and strategic fit for Liverpool. While Bowen could provide a short-term boost to their attack, especially given occasional inconsistencies, his age – turning 29 next month – and the likely substantial transfer fee, combined with his long contract, might not align with Liverpool’s typical recruitment strategy, which often prioritizes younger players with significant resale value and long-term development potential. Acquiring a player approaching the latter stages of his peak for a considerable sum might not represent sound financial sense for the Merseyside club, who are also conscious of maintaining a sustainable wage structure. Tottenham, under manager Ange Postecoglou, could also view Bowen as a valuable addition, offering versatility and a proven Premier League track record, complementing their high-pressing, attacking style.

In another significant Premier League rumor, Chelsea are reportedly orchestrating an approach for Crystal Palace’s highly-rated midfielder Adam Wharton. TEAMtalk reports that the 21-year-old has been identified as a top target for the Blues, who view him as a potential cornerstone for the club’s future midfield. Wharton has rapidly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in English football since joining Palace, showcasing maturity, vision, and technical ability beyond his years. However, a move in the upcoming January window is deemed unlikely, primarily due to Crystal Palace’s expected valuation of over £100 million. This hefty price tag reflects not only Wharton’s talent but also the premium placed on promising English players in the current market. Chelsea’s recent transfer strategy has seen them invest heavily in young talent on long-term contracts, and Wharton fits this profile perfectly. Should the fee prove prohibitive for January, Chelsea have reportedly identified Nico Paz, a 21-year-old midfielder from Como, as an alternative target. Paz, who has come through Real Madrid’s academy ranks, represents a different stylistic profile to Wharton, suggesting Chelsea are keeping their options open. Manchester United have also been linked with Wharton, indicating the widespread interest in the young midfielder’s services.

Beyond England, Barcelona are reportedly making significant moves to secure a successor to their veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The Guardian indicates that Bayern Munich’s prolific forward Harry Kane has emerged as the Catalan club’s number one priority. Lewandowski, at 37, is nearing the end of his contract in June, prompting Barcelona to seek a long-term solution in attack. Kane, 32, has enjoyed a sensational debut season with Bayern Munich, scoring an astonishing 23 goals in just 16 appearances across all competitions. His remarkable form has reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s elite strikers. Crucially, Kane’s contract with Bayern reportedly includes a clause that would allow him to be signed for approximately €65 million in the summer of 2026. This clause, likely dependent on certain conditions or performance metrics, could make him a significantly more affordable option than many other top-tier strikers, despite his age. Barcelona’s well-documented financial constraints mean that such a clause would be highly attractive, allowing them to acquire a proven goalscorer without breaking the bank on a transfer fee. However, Bayern Munich would undoubtedly be reluctant to part with a player who has made such an immediate and profound impact.

Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz is at the center of a potential bidding war, with Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Chelsea reportedly vying for his signature. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that contract negotiations between the 20-year-old and Juventus have stalled following a recent meeting. Yildiz is reportedly seeking a new deal worth around €6 million per season, a figure that Juventus has so far been hesitant to meet. As a result, the Bianconeri have paused talks with the player’s representatives. Should an extension not be agreed upon, Juventus are prepared to demand a transfer fee in excess of €100 million for the highly-touted prospect, reflecting his immense potential and the intense interest from Europe’s elite clubs. Yildiz’s emergence as a dynamic attacking talent has caught the eye of several top teams looking to invest in future stars.

In other transfer news, Juventus have reportedly ruled out an approach for Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry due to concerns over his expected salary demands, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Manchester United, meanwhile, are planning to rely on their existing squad during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, despite losing key players like top scorer Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, indicating a reluctance to make "knee-jerk" signings, as reported by The Sun. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly not preparing a move to re-sign Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, according to Bild. Real Madrid striker Endrick is reportedly nearing a loan switch to French club Lyon, as per Globo. Juventus have also entered the race for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has been previously linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. A total agreement is reportedly close between Atletico Madrid and attacking midfielder Giuliano Simeone for a new contract that would see him remain at the Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2030, according to Marca. Espanyol have made an enquiry to Santos regarding promising midfielder Robinho Jr., as reported by Globo. Al Ahli could face competition from top clubs in Europe, MLS, and the Saudi Pro League for Galatasaray winger Leroy Sane, according to Ekrem Konur. Newcastle are reportedly considering a move for Everton midfielder James Garner, as per Football Insider. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are also among the Premier League teams keeping tabs on Club Brugge defensive midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, Matteo Moretto suggests. Internazionale are showing interest in Club Brugge center-back Joel Ordonez, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. Finally, talks are ongoing between Sheffield United and free-agent striker Patrick Bamford, as reported by The Telegraph.