Liverpool could be presented with another chance to sign Rodrygo this summer — eight years after he first turned down a move to Anfield.
The Reds could still do some business ahead of their Premier League title defense, which will get underway next month. After the signings of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez — as well as the additions of Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman — Richard Hughes and Arne Slot still have a couple of areas to target in their squad.
The club’s next focus will likely be on outgoings, but Liverpool may well have some more big signings up their sleeves, especially with a new defender and striker still being the priority.
Whether Rodrygo could end up being targeted remains to be seen, although the door does look to be opening to the Brazilian.
Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid is open to letting him go this summer, and Xabi Alonso has found himself having to field questions about his lack of opportunities during the Club World Cup.
Unsurprisingly, a whole host of top clubs are being linked, including Liverpool, as well as Manchester City and Arsenal, with the Gunners touted by some as the current favorites for his signature.
The chance to sign Rodrygo though may well appeal to the Reds — after all, they’ve already tried to land him once.
Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso are reportedly open to letting Rodrygo go this summer
Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso are reportedly open to letting Rodrygo go this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Granted, it was back in 2017, back when the forward was still learning his trade in Brazil with Santos, and would have been available for considerably less money than he will be this time around.
The player’s agent even claimed that Jurgen Klopp flew all the way to Brazil in order to try enticing him to Anfield. Alas, his efforts wouldn’t pay off, with Rodrygo explaining his why he turned Liverpool down years later.
“We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good,” Rodrygo explained last year (via Goal).
“The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football. It had always been my dream to play in Europe.
Jurgen Klopp reportedly flew to Brazil to try and convince Rodrygo on a move to Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp reportedly flew to Brazil to try and convince Rodrygo on a move to Liverpool (Image: PA)
“Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”
Should the Reds want to revisit their interest though, the opportunity could arrive very soon.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a meeting will take place next week to decide upon his future, with Real leaving the final decision to the player.
Rodrygo has seemingly already ruled out one option, with a move to Saudi side Al-Nassr being ruled out as he focuses on staying in Europe. Should it want a second chance, Liverpool may well get it.