Manchester City have reportedly given consideration to an audacious swap deal that would see two players depart in exchange for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.
The Brazil international is thought to be facing an uncertain future at the Bernabeu due to the imminent arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and compatriot Endrick, which could impact his game time.
In spite of his admission that he prefers to play out wide rather than up front, Rodrygo formed an effective partnership with Vinicius Junior in the 2023-24 season at the tip of Carlo Ancelotti's 4-3-1-2 formation.
The 23-year-old came up with 17 goals of his own from 51 appearances - in addition to nine assists - but there is supposedly a risk of an internal war breaking out at the Bernabeu due to Endrick and Mbappe's arrivals.
While Real Madrid are desperate to hang onto Rodrygo, who extended his contract until 2028 last year, the former Santos youngster could be tempted to depart if there is no space for him in Ancelotti's new 4-3-3 setup.
© Reuters
Man City to offer Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne in swap deal?
Liverpool are believed to be attentive to the situation, but according to reports in Spain - via TEAMtalk - Man City have hatched a sensational plan to beat their Merseyside counterparts to his signature.
The report claims that the Premier League champions may be open to parting ways with both Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez - who have a combined worth of £118m - if they are to lure Rodrygo away from the Bernabeu.
De Bruyne came back with a bang last season after his injury-plagued start, but the Belgium international is only contracted to Pep Guardiola's side until the summer of 2025, seeing speculation over his future intensify as a result.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and MLS are thought to have taken an interest in De Bruyne, who recently refused to rule out moving to the Middle East for the latter stages of his career due to the "incredible" wages on offer.
Contract talks with the playmaker's camp are thought to be on hold while he focuses on Belgium's Euro 2024 campaign, but Man City could be pressured into a summer sale in order to avoid losing him on a free in 2025.
© Reuters
Meanwhile, Alvarez's future has also been called into question, as despite initially deputising well for De Bruyne in the number 10 slot, the Argentine was relegated back down to the bench upon his senior's return.
Also playing second fiddle behind Erling Haaland in the striker's spot, Alvarez had apparently caught the eye of Chelsea, but he has insisted that he is "comfortable" at the Etihad.
Could a shock Rodrygo swap really materialise?
Man City signing a new winger this summer is not beyond the realm of possibility, as Bernardo Silva exit links have inevitably resurfaced, while Jack Grealish may also be on the way out if his playing situation does not improve.
Rodrygo would be a straight swap for the former on the right wing, but it is extremely difficult to see such a transaction materialising, especially as Real are already well-stocked in the attacking positions.
As a result, if Guardiola decides that a move for Rodrygo is still a priority, Man City must come up with a cash offer that is simply too good for Real to refuse.
Ben Knapton
