Latest Liverpool news and rumours including the latest on Real Madrid
Liverpool have once again been linked with a move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Liverpool have once again been linked with a move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo
(Image: Photo by Ismael Adnan Yaqoob/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Rodrygo is back in the headlines, having emerged as a potential wildcard option for Liverpool, according to the latest reports from Spain.
Arne Slot has already strengthened his attacking options with new 'weapons' this summer, following the additions of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, both of whom impressed during the Reds' final pre-season friendly against Athletic Club on Monday evening.
However, with Luis Diaz having departed for Bayern Munich, and continued uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of both Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa at Anfield, further reinforcements will be necessary before the transfer deadline. Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is well documented, with the club having had a £110m bid swiftly rejected by Newcastle last week.
Although a deal could yet become possible if Newcastle secure a suitable replacement in the coming weeks, it remains a complicated transfer to finalise. Whether the Reds are seriously considering alternative targets is still unclear.
But if the latest reports from Spain are to be believed, Liverpool may already have someone in mind with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The Brazilian has long been linked with a move to the Merseyside club, dating back to before his switch to the Bernabeu in 2018.
Now 24, Rodrygo has struggled to establish himself as a key figure in an attack currently spearheaded by Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. So much so that he has been linked with a summer exit, having played a bit-part role in Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign under new head coach Xabi Alonso last month.
According to MARCA, speculation over his departure has intensified in recent days following the squad’s return to pre-season training. Madrid are expected to demand a fee in the region of £60m–£70m and are reportedly open to proposals.
Throughout the summer, the suggestion has been that Rodrygo is determined to fight for his place at Madrid and is not yet ready to move on. However, if recent rumours are accurate, there appears to be a growing acceptance that a fresh start elsewhere might not be the worst outcome.
Tottenham have been named as a potential suitor in the report, with the imminent departure of long-serving Son Heung-min freeing up a spot in their squad. The report also claims Spurs have already made an offer to Real Madrid and are awaiting a response.
Liverpool, however, are said to view Rodrygo as a viable 'wildcard' option should a move for Isak fail to materialise before the September 1 deadline. Chelsea cannot be ruled out either, despite their heavy spending this summer, due to the number of outgoings, with Nicolas Jackson potentially among them. Further sales could open the door for another big addition, with Rodrygo a solid option for the London club.
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