Liverpool's £110million bid for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak being turned down means that the Reds likely won't go back in for the Swedish star, according to reports - and that could see them make a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who would be a better signing for them in the squad's current state.
Arne Slot's side have spent big this summer, landing Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz - the latter being a Premier League record signing - alongside Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and last summer's arrival Giorgi Mamardashvili linking up from Valencia.
In total, those deals could rise to almost £300million, and although they've claimed a potential £130million in the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and Luis Diaz, it's still a huge outlay.
Report: Liverpool 'Agree Personal Terms' with Rodrygo, Attention Turned Away from Isak
The Swedish star is no longer top-choice after a bid for him was rejected
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid
That, however, didn't stop them turning in a £110million bid for Isak, who has signalled his intentions to leave Newcastle after three strong seasons on Tyneside. That offer was rejected, and at present, it seems as though the deal won't be revisited unless the Magpies encourage another bid, with the Swedish star clearly wanting to leave St. James' Park.
And with that in mind, the report by ESPN Brazil, via the Standard, states that the Reds have 'quickly turned' to Rodrygo after ending their interest in the Premier League superstar.
Rodrygo's La Liga statistics - Real Madrid squad ranking
Stats
Appearances
Assists
Key Passes Per Game
Shots Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
Match rating
They claim that the sale of Diaz gave them the capital to make a move for Isak, but the 'futile' move means that Liverpool have already made contact with Rodrygo's agents ahead of a formal opening offer, agreeing personal terms with the Brazilian star, despite that in itself being an informal presentation.
Rodrygo has seen his minutes dwindle at the Santiago Bernabeu due to the emergence of Arda Guler in the Spanish capital, and now could find his way out of Los Blancos in a return to his favoured left-wing, which he has zero chances of playing in under Xabi Alonso with Vinicius Jr holding down that position, alongside star man Kylian Mbappe also being able to feature on the wing.
Rodrygo Would be a Smarter Signing Than Isak
The Brazilian addresses more needs than the Newcastle star after the signing of Hugo Ekitike
hugo ekitike frankfurt
It's actually a smart move from Liverpool if they are to spend the Diaz money on Rodrygo, instead of Isak. Rodrygo, who has been described as a 'world-beater', has been a superb player at Real, is much more suited to what they need.
Of course, the arrival of Isak would be incredible and would massively help slot in his bid to retain the Premier League title, as well as win accolades elsewhere to set the Reds apart in their bid to dominate English football.
But with the arrival of Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool don't particularly need a striker unless Darwin Nunez leaves. Ekitike alongside the Uruguayan is still strong depth, and Isak's arrival would hinder his chances of development.
With Diaz potentially being replaced by the Brazilian, that would make Liverpool's attack much more balanced and ultimately see them win trophies for longer in the future, as opposed to only playing Cody Gakpo out wide, with Rodrygo's Champions League endeavours showing how astute an addition he would be.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 03-08-25.
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.