Manchester City were strongly linked with a move for Rodrygo throughout the summer transfer window.
It was confirmed by Manchester City News that Pep Guardiola’s side were eyeing Rodrygo to replace Savinho if he signed for Tottenham Hotspur but the latter ended up staying at the Etihad Stadium.
However, it seems like City were content with the fact that the 21-year-old is continuing his stay in the blue half of Manchester.
Ultimately, Manchester City decided to keep Savinho this summer.
Rodrygo’s ideal scenario was staying at Real Madrid as well.
Man City should rue not signing Morgan Gibbs-White
As a result, missing out on the Brazilian’s signature should not affect Manchester City as much as missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who was keen to play for the English giants.
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Manchester City felt Gibbs-White was overpriced at £70 million but it is believed that his teammates at Nottingham Forest were of the opinion that it was inevitable that he would play under Pep Guardiola this season.
While Rodrygo would likely have elevated City’s attack, the £25 million (Sky Sports) man is a player who would have improved them by adding physicality to their midfield, his expansive passing range as well as goals and assists.
Aside from Tijjani Reijnders, Manchester City lack another all-rounder in midfield who can play as a number eight and behind the striker and it could be argued that the Dutchman is yet to acclimatise to Premier League football.
Tottenham found out about Gibbs-White’s release clause worth £60 million and they were keen on signing him as well. Spurs were close to signing Gibbs-White before he unexpectedly extended his contract until 2028 in July.
With Nico Gonzalez still finding his feet in a City shirt and Bernardo Silva being past his best, Pep Guardiola lacks a top-class central midfielder in his ranks apart from Reijnders — who is just three Premier League games into his time in England.
Man City’s reason for not sealing Morgan Gibbs-White signing
Considering sporting director Hugo Viana has admired Gibbs-White for years, it would come as no surprise if Manchester City made a move for him in January or next summer.
Pep Guardiola spoke to Gibbs-White after City beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-final last season, which suggests how keen the Sky Blues were on his signature.
Despite being interested in sealing a deal for him, Manchester City chose not to sign Gibbs-White as they felt a better use of their funds would have been to sign more than one midfielder.
As a result, City proceeded to do so by snapping up both Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.