Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has decisively addressed the swirling speculation surrounding Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes, effectively putting to rest rumors linking the 24-year-old star with a potential move to Manchester City.

The comments come at a pivotal moment as the summer transfer window approaches its final days, closing on September 1, 2025.

Rodrygo’s role at the Santiago Bernabeu has been under intense scrutiny amid a period of transition for Los Blancos.

With Alonso stepping up to the managerial role following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to lead the Brazilian national team, the football world is keenly watching how the former Bayer Leverkusen coach will shape his squad, particularly in terms of high-profile players like Rodrygo.

Rodrygo, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 for a transfer fee of €54 million, has proven himself to be a key figure for Los Blancos.

Over 270 appearances in all competitions, he has amassed an impressive 68 goals and 51 assists.

His knack for producing highlight-reel moments, such as the dramatic brace against Manchester City in the 2021/22 Champions League semi-finals, has cemented his reputation as a clutch performer on football’s biggest stages.

However, the 2024/25 season was a challenging one for Real Madrid.

The club failed to secure any major trophies — La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey all eluded them.

Rodrygo’s playing time diminished during this period, especially under Ancelotti’s management and later during the Club World Cup under Alonso.

This reduction in minutes fueled widespread speculation about his future at the club.

Reports suggested that the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the emergence of promising young talents like Franco Mastantuono had pushed Rodrygo down the pecking order.

Last season, he started only 22 La Liga matches and featured for a mere 93 minutes across six Club World Cup games.

This limited involvement sparked rumors that Real Madrid might be willing to entertain offers for the Brazilian winger.

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, emerged as the frontrunner to sign Rodrygo.

Sources indicated that the Premier League champions viewed him as a prime target to bolster their attacking options.

The interest was reportedly linked to the potential departure of their young winger, Savinho, who attracted attention from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, recent reports have confirmed that Manchester City’s hierarchy blocked any move for Savinho, casting doubt on their pursuit of Rodrygo.

Despite this, Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that Guardiola remains a “big fan” of the Brazilian, with City closely monitoring his situation and considering an £80 million bid.

Additionally, Rodrygo’s camp reportedly made informal contact with Manchester City to explore the possibility of a move, further intensifying the rumors.

At a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna on August 19, 2025, Alonso put an end to the speculation with a clear and unequivocal statement.

“There are many rumors in the summer, but I’ve seen him well and I count on everyone.

I count on Rodrygo, for sure, 100%,” Alonso said, as quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

He emphasized that Rodrygo’s limited minutes during the Club World Cup were a “different context” and that his benching in the 1-0 win over Osasuna was a tactical decision, not a reflection of his future at the club.

“Nothing’s happening [with an exit],” Alonso added, signaling that the door for a transfer is firmly closed for now.

His comments suggest a strong commitment to integrating Rodrygo into his plans, despite the player’s recent struggles for game time.

Rodrygo himself has remained focused on his role at Real Madrid.

Sources close to the player indicate that he has not explicitly requested a move away.

While Manchester City’s interest and the reported financial package of £300,000 per week were tempting, Rodrygo’s desire to fight for his place at the Bernabeu aligns with Alonso’s vision.

The manager’s preferred 4-3-3 system prioritizes defensive work rate in attack to complement stars like Mbappé and Vinicius Junior.

This tactical approach may require Rodrygo to adapt his style, but Alonso’s faith in the Brazilian winger is evident.

“Rodrygo is a spectacular player, and we’ll need him,” Alonso stated during his unveiling as Real Madrid’s manager in May 2025, a sentiment he has reiterated amid the recent transfer talk.

With the transfer window still open for another ten days, surprises can never be ruled out.

However, Alonso’s firm stance has quelled much of the uncertainty surrounding Rodrygo’s future.

The Brazilian’s contract, which runs until 2028, combined with Real Madrid’s valuation of over €100 million, further deters potential suitors.

For now, Rodrygo appears set to remain a key component of Alonso’s rebuilding project at Real Madrid.

The manager’s challenge will be to restore the club’s dominance in Spain and Europe, and Rodrygo’s role in that mission is expected to be significant.

Fans will be eager to see how the young forward fits into Alonso’s tactical setup as the La Liga season progresses.

The hope is that Rodrygo can rediscover the form that once made him a hero in Madrid and help propel the team back to the summit of European football.