Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s new era under Xabi Alonso has officially begun, and one of the first players to report for training was Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes.
Despite widespread speculation about a possible departure this summer, the 24-year-old has made his intentions crystal clear that he wants to stay at the club.
Rodrygo has been the subject of transfer rumours since the end of last season, with some reports suggesting he could be moved on to make space in a star-studded attack.
But according to the latest updates, the winger has already communicated his desire to remain at Real Madrid.
The arrival of Alonso as head coach appears to have been a turning point, as Rodrygo is reportedly pleased with the new manager’s methods and atmosphere in training.
“Happy” Rodrygo wants to reinvent himself
The Brazilian recently posted a set of images from training on his official X account, accompanied by a single-word caption: “Happy.”
FELIZ 😄🤍⚽️ pic.twitter.com/n8QbYhveSs
— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) June 10, 2025
While short, the message spoke volumes. Rodrygo is clearly content at the club and hopeful that the new project led by Alonso will give him a more prominent role in the team.
Although the transfer window will be active for a long time and anything can happen, the club and the player are now seemingly aligned.
Rodrygo has a long-term contract until 2028, with a staggering €1 billion release clause, which is a strong indicator that Real Madrid still value him highly.
At 24, he is entering a key phase in his career. With Alonso looking to reshape the squad with fresh ideas and tactical flexibility, Rodrygo might get a chance to flourish in a more defined role.
For now, his message is loud and clear that he is staying at Real Madrid, and he is excited about what’s ahead. However, one cannot predict what might happen.
Real Madrid not planning any move for highly-rated Spanish midfielder amid transfer buzz
In contrast to recent speculation, it has come to light that Real Madrid are not planning a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish international, who has often been mentioned as a potential successor to some of Madrid’s veteran midfielders, is not on the club’s radar for the upcoming transfer windows.
Over the past few weeks, several reports had suggested that Madrid viewed Zubimendi as one of the best options available in the current market to control the midfield.
Many believed that the club had already made him a priority, considering his tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo, qualities that seemed a natural fit for the club’s long-term midfield structure.
Madrid focused on other key areas
Despite their admiration for Zubimendi’s qualities, however, sources close to the club confirm that Real Madrid do not consider midfield reinforcements a priority right now.
Real Madrid are not thinking about Martin Zubimendi. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
They are reportedly satisfied with the depth they already have in that area, which includes elite talents like Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, and Jude Bellingham.
Instead, the club is focusing its efforts on two other fronts. The first is the left-back position, with Alvaro Carreras from Benfica emerging as a top target.
However, the deal has hit a few snags due to the Portuguese side’s financial demands. Should the Carreras deal fall through, Madrid will look at alternative names for the position.
Meanwhile, the signing of young River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono is also a major priority. Madrid already have an agreement in place, and the player is expected to join after the Club World Cup.
Lastly, another interesting situation is that of Nico Paz. Initially expected to return to Madrid, the club is now considering allowing him to spend another season on loan at Como in Italy to continue getting regular playing time.