Liverpool have been short of options out wide since they sold Luis Diaz, and they have paid the price for it.
The Reds recruited smartly in the summer and brought in a wealth of attacking talent, but they felt they could manage without another winger.
However, Cody Gakpo has not quite filled the role like many thought he would, Federico Chiesa hardly gets a look-in, and Mohamed Salah, well, everyone knows what is going on there.
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Salah's stats against Brighton
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This has meant they have been linked with a winger ahead of the upcoming transfer windows, but they might need to look no further after this week’s Champions League fixtures.
One star in particular, who they happened to have looked at in the past, sent them a timely reminder as to why he would be a good option to bring in, even if he may cost more than most.
Rodrygo shone for Real Madrid against Man City
Real Madrid might be in a terrible run of form by their standards and lost to Man City in the Champions League, but one player who can hold his head up high after the loss is Rodrygo.
The Brazilian had been on a horrendous run himself after not scoring for 32 games, but he finally got one against City, and he took it well too.
Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
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As well as scoring, he created two big chances, put in four successful crosses and completed three successful dribbles, showing how he was a big threat and still a ‘special’ player.
He can also play on either flank, but operated on the right for this one, which is perfect for Liverpool given the noise surrounding Salah.
The only downside to his game was that he was not involved as much as he would have liked, touching the ball just 56 times, although on the flip side, it shows he can still make an impact when a little quieter.
Rodrygo will be tricky to prise away from Real Madrid, especially now
Who should replace Mohamed Salah if he leaves for the Saudi Pro League? 🤔
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at Frankfurt Stadion.
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Rodrygo has always expressed his love for Madrid, but after not featuring as much under Xabi Alonso, he was said to be ‘open’ to a move away.
However, when celebrating his goal, he pointed and kissed the Real Madrid badge, suggesting that his feelings for the club have not changed.
As well as this, a managerial change at the Bernabeu might be in the offing soon, suggesting that he could get more chances under a new coach, making him likely to stay.
The Madrid players still showed their support for Alonso after the game, though, suggesting they still back him, so the door could still be ajar for a potential move.
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