Liverpool have reportedly reached out to Real Madrid star Rodrygo in the aftermath of their failed transfer bid for Alexander Isak. Newcastle received a bid upwards of £100million for their wantaway striker, which was rejected and a figure of £150m was pointed at, but the Reds have since ended their interest this summer.
This is despite Isak’s attempts to force a move to Anfield, having rejected a new contract on the north east and training at his former club Real Sociedad. He is expected to join up with the rest of the squad when they return from a tour of the Far East.
Liverpool are still trying to bolster their attacking options, however, after Luis Diaz’s £65.5m departure to Bayern Munich. Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott are also expected to leave Merseyside this summer for more opportunities elsewhere.
ESPN Brazil claim that as a result of recent developments, Liverpool have made contact with Rodrygo’s agents ahead of a formal bid. The 24-year-old, who has also been linked to Arsenal, is said to have agreed personal terms with the reigning Premier League champions.
The Brazilian has fallen out of favour with Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, who is prioritising Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, forcing Rodrygo to consider a move to England. He is rated at approximately £70m.
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But clubs are now aware that Liverpool still have money to spend, having splashed out on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong for nearly £300m combined, after Eddie Howe confirmed a bid for Isak.
"I really don't know what happens next,” Howe said on tour in Asia. “From our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.
"It is difficult because you don't know what is going to happen. There can be all sorts of talk and hypothetical situations but then you are dealing with reality.
"The reality is we had the first bid from Liverpool yesterday. I believe that was turned down, from this point onwards let's see what happens. I have no idea to try to predict that.”
But Rodrygo may yet be a better fit stylistically than Isak, considering that Liverpool have already paid £79m for a striker in Ekitike.
He could slot in on the left, his preferred role despite operating on the opposite flank in Madrid, to fill the gap left by Diaz.
Ekitike could play predominantly through the middle, as opposed to playing off Isak as has been mooted, with Wirtz and Mohamed Salah supporting in a four-pronged potent attack.