Manchester City owners ‘closest to signing’ Liverpool winger – La Liga plan identified for future development | OneFootball

The City Football Group are the closest to securing the signing of Liverpool and Uruguay international winger Luciano Rodriguez, according to new reports.

Rodriguez has become the latest in a long line of prospective South American talents to make the move to Manchester City and the wider City Football Group, with the hope of remaining ahead of the chasing pack in Europe’s top-level.

In the last few seasons, City Group have acquired some of the most promising profiles from the South American game with a view towards developing them within their portfolio of clubs, namely the likes of Yan Couto and Savio – now of the Brazilian national team.

With both of the aforementioned players experiencing huge success whilst on loan with Girona this season, and the latter set for a move to Manchester City as a result, other names may now be tempted to follow the same successful pathway.

Now, according to the information of journalist César Luis Merlo, City Football Group are the ‘closest to signing’ Liverpool Montevideo winger Luciano Rodríguez, having offered a $14 million transfer fee with the intention of then sending him to La Liga side Girona.

As for Rodriguez’s other potential suitors, the report explains that while Brazilian giants Palmeiras have made a similar proposal in terms of figures and continue to insist on the signing of the winger, the 20-year-old is more tempted by a move to Europe.

River Plate are described as being ‘the furthest away’ out of the three aforementioned suitors.

A subsequent report from César Luis Merlo has since gone on to state that Rodríguez is now ‘one step away’ from Girona through a $15 million offer for 70% directly from the La Liga club, and an agreement over a five-year contract.

Rodriguez has registered 14 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool Montevideo during the ongoing season, scoring four goals in the process and earning himself his first appearance for the Uruguay national team.

Rodríguez has represenred Uruguay at various youth levels, and was named in Uruguay’s squad for the 2023 South American under-20 Championship last year.

Rodriguez would then go on to be a part of the side that won the 2023 FIFA under-20 World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final match against Italy in a landmark moment for the rapidly developing forward talent.