As the new 2024–2025 Premier League season draws near, Pep Guardiola has only made one summer deal thus far.

Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola

Real Madrid and Manchester City are considering a possible player exchange.

The dynamic Brazilian winger Savinho joined the Premier League champions from Troyes in the summer, but it is the only addition the team has made thus far. The only two players linked to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer are Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson.

With the goal of winning an unprecedented fifth straight Premier League title this season, manager Pep Guardiola is rumored to have approved the transfer of one of his wanted players, with the possibility of a swap agreement with Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

The Spanish publication El Nacional has reported that Julian Alvarez, a striker, is looking for fresh opportunities since he is dissatisfied with serving as Erling Haaland’s offensive backup. Real Madrid has proposed Rodrygo as a possible trade partner and would be happy to accept the forward.

The Brazilian international, who may struggle to find playing time this season due to Kylian Mbappe’s high-profile move from PSG, is reportedly a “avid admirer” of Guardiola. The 23-year-old has already stated that he wants to move out, but it’s unclear if he would do so again.

Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez in action against Newcastle United

Real Madrid isn’t thinking about switching between Rodrygo and Julian Alvarez; instead, the agreement is reportedly contingent only on Manchester City’s ability to press their efforts in order to facilitate the Argentina international’s departure from the team. Alvarez led the Sky Blues in goals scored with 19 and assists with 13.

“I was among the guys at City with the most minutes played last season. However, as MailSport reported, Alvarez stated, “You want to contribute; you don’t like to be left out of important matches.” I’ll give it some thought and see what I want for myself. After the [Olympic] Games, we’ll see. I will first try to take a few days off. After that, we’ll make a decision.

In April 2024, Rodrygo celebrates scoring a goal for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Rodrygo may wind up moving to Manchester. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) In FourFourTwo‘s view, while it seems likely that Alvarez will leave Manchester City this summer in search of first team football, it seems extremely unlikely that it will be in exchange for Rodrygo. The Brazilian will continue to play a significant role in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for 2024–2025, and it is highly unlikely that the club’s administration will allow him to leave for anything less than their £150 million asking price.