Real Madrid Prepared to Give Up Major Star in Stunning Swap Proposal to Liverpool

 

Real Madrid are reportedly open to a potential swap deal involving Rodrygo, with claims from Spain suggesting that Xabi Alonso would be willing to ‘smooth the path’ for one of Liverpool’s recent summer arrivals to move to Madrid.

 

Rodrygo, who joined Real Madrid from Santos for £39 million, has made over 250 appearances during a trophy-filled six-year stint. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he lifted three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies, but has recently fallen down the pecking order, particularly since Alonso took charge.

 

His reduced role led to strong transfer rumours over the summer. Arsenal, Chelsea, and newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool were all linked with the Brazilian. Spanish outlet AS previously reported that Liverpool monitored his situation, but later shifted their focus to other signings—most notably Florian Wirtz.

 

Wirtz ended up joining Liverpool for £116 million, despite being on Madrid’s radar for months. According to Defensa Central, Real Madrid backed out of the race due to Bayer Leverkusen’s valuation. The report adds that Wirtz “wouldn’t have hesitated” to sign for Los Blancos had they matched the asking price.

 

With Wirtz currently struggling to settle in England, Madrid would now be willing to offer Rodrygo in a bold exchange deal to bring the German to the Bernabéu.

 

“Xabi Alonso would love to have him,” the report states, noting that Real are watching his progress closely and see him as a key long-term midfield option. However, the same report concedes that a swap deal remains unlikely in the immediate future, as Liverpool are not expected to consider selling Wirtz so soon—regardless of their interest in Rodrygo.

 

Before joining Real, Rodrygo nearly signed for Liverpool for £2.5 million. Reflecting in 2024, he said:

 

> “We didn’t complete the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though Liverpool’s offer was very good… in the end, I fulfilled my dream of playing for Santos. But yes, I almost went to Liverpool in 2017.”

 

 

 

Despite turning the Reds down, he has spoken warmly about the club and its supporters. Prior to a Champions League match at Anfield in 2023, he said: