Rodrygo has already expressed his views on Liverpool amid reports that the Premier League club is preparing a surprising bid for the Real Madrid forward.
The 24-year-old has been a key contributor to Madrid’s recent achievements under former coach Carlo Ancelotti, helping the team secure three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies since his £39 million transfer from Santos in 2019.
However, since Xabi Alonso took over from Ancelotti before the current Club World Cup, Rodrygo’s role has diminished.
He started in Madrid’s opening match against Al Hilal, providing an assist in a 1-1 draw with the Saudi Pro League side. But after that, he played just 27 minutes throughout the rest of the tournament and didn’t appear in matches against Juventus, Pachuca, or in the 4-0 loss to PSG in the semifinals.
Alonso has preferred Gonzalo Garcia in attack, with Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler also seeing more playing time than Rodrygo.
The Brazilian forward hasn’t scored since February, and Spanish outlet Fichajes reports Real Madrid are now willing to sell him.
This follows reports that Alonso has been granted full authority to drop any player from the squad, regardless of their status or cost.
Rodrygo has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea, though Brazilian media UOL Esporte say Madrid wants around €100 million (£86 million) to let him go.
Spanish paper AS adds that Liverpool have entered the race for the Brazil international, keeping a close eye on his situation at the Bernabeu.
This interest coincides with rumors that Liverpool winger Luis Diaz might leave, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich reportedly interested in the Colombian.
“With Luis Diaz potentially departing, Liverpool has shown interest in the Brazilian, but Madrid hasn’t received any offers yet,” AS noted.
What has Rodrygo said about Liverpool?
Rodrygo has faced Liverpool multiple times in European competitions, winning four of five matches against them, including the 2022 Champions League final, which Madrid won 1-0 thanks to a Vinicius Jr. goal.
He nearly signed for Liverpool in 2017 for just £2.5 million before eventually moving to Real Madrid.
“We didn’t complete the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good… ultimately, I fulfilled my dream of playing for Santos,” Rodrygo said in 2024. “But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool in 2017.”
Despite turning down Liverpool, he has shown respect for the club and its supporters.
Ahead of a 2023 Champions League game at Anfield, he commented, “Playing there is always tough, with or without fans, but at Anfield even more so.”
Despite these compliments, Arsenal currently appear to be leading the pursuit for Rodrygo.
AS reports that the Brazilian has made it known he wants to have a say in his next club if sold, with Arsenal being his preferred destination.
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