Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has identified Valencia star Rodrigo Moreno Machado, simply known as Rodrigo, as a target for the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old has impressed for the Los Che this season after Marcelino García Toral took charge of the club. He’s 16 goals, and set up four more for his teammates in 34 league appearances.
According to Plazadeportiva.com, Rodrigo is on the radar of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager and is looking at the option of bringing him to the Etihad. The Brazil-born Spain international has also impressed when selected for the national team by Julen Lopetegui.
Valencia and Spain’s style of play is similar and that helped Rodrigo adapt quickly while on international duty. Plazadeportivo.com claims City’s philosophy under Guardiola of playing a high line, with more possession based football, could suit the attacker, if he decides to make a switch to the Premier League.
Guardiola currently has the services of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus as the two first choice attackers at the club. The Argentine international’s contract at City runs down in 2020, while the Brazilian striker has one more year.
Any approach from the English champions for Rodrigo will see them spend big. He signed a new deal last year, that will keep him at the club until 2022. The forward has a €120m release clause in his contract.
Meanwhile, Super Deporte claims Valencia are not looking to see their prized asset go, especially when they have Champions League football next season. For the transfer to take place, they need an “irresistible offer” from a top club that will have an attractive project and a good financial package for the player.
Valencia are clear that they need to sell, but it should not be seen as a sign of weakness. They want to use those funds to create a cycle that will see them further improve their squad by reinvesting and then grown from there.
Will Manchester City meet the La Liga outfit’s asking price of €120 million for the forward?
No. And in all honesty the recent links with City seem a throwback to claims just before Rodrigo renewed, which seemed rather convenient timing for him.
