Rodrygo’s £350k-a-Week Demand Stalls Premier League Transfer Interest

Rodrygo’s Premier League Future Clouded by Wage Demands

Rodrygo’s potential move from Real Madrid to the Premier League has hit a major stumbling block, with his wage demands reported at £350k-a-week. According to The Express, Manchester City were quoted this figure during initial discussions, with Pep Guardiola a known admirer of the Brazilian winger.

Arsenal and Liverpool, both monitoring the situation closely, would likely face the same financial challenge. Tottenham are also interested, but such a salary is expected to rule them out. One source close to the negotiations noted, “This hefty wage demand will likely deter Tottenham.”

Real Madrid’s stance is firm, with a £76 million transfer fee set for the 24-year-old, who is also on Bayern Munich’s radar. City’s hesitation stems from the fact that his request is “akin to what Kevin De Bruyne was earning before his move to Napoli this summer.” As a result, the Premier League champions have paused their pursuit, waiting to see if the forward reduces his demands.

Photo: IMAGO

Meanwhile, in a separate transfer development, The Express report that Nottingham Forest have returned with an improved £30 million bid for City midfielder James McAtee, which could rise to £35 million with add-ons.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is a story that has Premier League fans split. From a Liverpool perspective, £350k-a-week for Rodrygo feels steep, especially under the current wage structure. While Arne Slot is seeking pace and creativity out wide, that salary would shatter Liverpool’s pay hierarchy and could create dressing room tension. Many fans feel those funds might be better used for a more balanced rebuild.

For Manchester City supporters, the reaction is more pragmatic. Guardiola clearly rates Rodrygo, but City have shown in the past that they will walk away if the numbers are excessive. Matching Kevin De Bruyne’s previous salary for a player yet to prove himself in England might not be worth the gamble.

Arsenal fans might view this as a potential game-changer in their attack, but they will also recognise the risk of committing such a high wage to a single player. Tottenham fans, meanwhile, might already be resigned to seeing the move fall through due to the club’s stricter wage policy.

If Rodrygo genuinely wants Premier League football, a compromise on wages seems inevitable. Until then, his future appears to be firmly in Madrid’s hands.