Tottenham have been considering a January move for a Real Madrid star winger.
Tottenham Hotspur emphasised strengthening their attack in the summer, aiming to build on last season’s Europa League success. They brought in players such as Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani to add depth to the forward line and help Thomas Frank close the gap on their Premier League rivals.
Long-term injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski forced Spurs to search for a new No.10, as they needed to replace the creativity, vision and experience of the duo. After suffering a blow in pursuit of several targets, the Lilywhites eventually ended up signing Xavi Simons.
Tottenham also lost iconic Son Heung-min in the summer, with the former skipper ending his decade-long stay in N17 to join Los Angeles FC. The Europa League winners explored several options to replace Son, including Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes, but were unable to bring anyone.
They made a serious effort to sign Rodrygo, looking to take advantage of his messy situation at Real Madrid. The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order under new boss Xabi Alonso. A lack of regular starts in the first half of the campaign has led to frustration within the player’s camp, prompting him to push for an exit in the winter transfer window.
Thomas Frank and Spurs have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo
Thomas Frank and Spurs have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo
Real Madrid block Rodrygo transfer in January
Recent reports claimed Tottenham were pushing to sign Rodrygo in the January transfer window. They had moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in the race for the Real Madrid star’s services. However, the latest developments may have landed a potential blow to Tottenham’s hopes of landing the player.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Real Madrid have blocked €75m worth Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. from leaving the club in January. The Brazilian duo are considered assets of the club, but both have been evaluating their futures in the last six months after experiencing mixed times under Xabi Alonso.
Rodrygo, in particular, was open to moving to England. Still, following talks with the club’s board and Alonso, the wide forward has accepted that he is now going to stay at Santiago Bernabeu until the summer.
In recent weeks, though, the 24-year-old has managed to gain the trust of Alonso. He was named the Man of the Match in Real’s 2-0 win over 10-man Sevilla at the weekend.
Real Madrid will not allow Tottenham-linked Rodrygo to leave in January
Real Madrid will not allow Tottenham-linked Rodrygo to leave in January
Setback for Tottenham?
Real potentially blocking the exit of Rodrygo next month leaves Tottenham in a spot of bother. Thomas Frank and Spurs had hoped to add the Brazil international to improve their forward options ahead of a busy second half of the season, but January now looks unrealistic.
Even if the north London outfit maintains interest in the player, a potential deal will likely wait until summer 2026. Real might be open to letting Rodrygo go then, should he feel his situation at the club hasn’t improved, and it requires reviving in a new environment. For now, Frank and Co. must look elsewhere to get a new body in the forward areas of the pitch.