Head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and player Rodrygo
Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and head coach Carlo Ancelotti
One of the most intriguing aspects of the summer transfer window will be how Liverpool deem it necessary to alter their attacking force. Following Mohamed Salah's new contract, there are a multitude of possibilities for Arne Slot to put his own imprint on this team.
Given that he has scored in 10 consecutive starts at Anfield - a joint-record - Cody Gakpo's place appears safe whilst Luis Diaz has had an equally impressive 2024/25 season, now has declared his desire to stay and sign a new contract too. On the flipside, however, is Darwin Nunez, who has failed to live up to expectations and could yet leave if Slot desires a new No.9.
Diogo Jota seems to be battling with injuries every other month to hamper his standing in the Liverpool team, and finally Federico Chiesa continues to be linked with a return to Italy after most recently being left out of the squad that faced Arsenal.
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But here, the ECHO analyses the latest headlines looking at one player the Reds could sign to increase their firepower next term...
Rodrygo transfer decision
The Daily Mail claim Real Madrid winger Rodrygo wishes to never play for the club again. It is a strong stance against those that he has played amongst for the past seven years but it is apparently born of not being given the on-field minutes the Brazilian feels are deserved due to Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe entering in recent years to usurp him.
It came to a head over the past weekend as Rodrygo apparently 'refused' to feature in the El Clasico defeat to Barcelona that has all-but wrapped up the La Liga title race. He is described as 'very angry' with the current situation and shut away in his own home.
As a 17-year-old the winger rejected a move to join Jurgen Klopp's Reds from boyhood club Santos, now the latest report suggests Liverpool will take a keen place amongst rivals Arsenal and Manchester City over his signature.
Ancelotti speaks out
This report was followed by manager Carlo Ancelotti speaking to the Spanish media. Although the Italian appears to be exiting his role, he was asked for clarity on the Rodrygo situation.
"He had a fever last week that prevented him from playing at his best," he responded, throwing cold water on the mere suggestion that there had been a rift.
Revealing a new setback, he added: "Today he had some discomfort in his leg that needs to be evaluated, and afterward, there's been a lot of speculation about it.
"There's a lot of affection for Rodrygo, especially from me."
And amid reports that the player is unhappy with his role in Madrid, Ancelotti answered: "When you're not feeling well, you're a little disappointed in that sense, but nothing more."