Xabi Alonso has delivered a massive update on the future of star winger, Rodrygo. The manager addressed the media following Real Madrid’s 0-3 victory over the newly promoted team, Real Oviedo.
Rodrygo has been subject to massive media speculation over an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Throughout the summer, the Brazilian has been linked with several teams regarding a permanent or loan move and as such Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been eying up loan moves for Rodrygo.
Xabi Alonso arrived at Madrid this summer, post the end of the second Carlo Ancelotti era in the Spanish capital. The manager’s arrival has led to several changes in team formation, tactics and even preferred players.
With Man City off to a somewhat stuttering start in the PL, could they put together a package to land Rodrygo? Arsenal seems unlikely as a destination after they signed Eberechi Eze and you would only expect Liverpool to only get serious if they cannot sign Alexander Isak. Spurs seems like the team that needs creativity but would the Brazilian want to join them?
The continuing Rodrygo situation
Rodrygo was called up to the squad on Matchday 1 against Osasuna but was not utilised by the Spanish gaffer. The summer stories of a move away, coupled with no game time on Los Blancos’ first home game, further fueled the exit rumours. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr started the game against Osasuna up front in attack.
However, Rodrygo headed straight into the starting eleven when the Whites made the trip to Asturias. The star winger was visibly unhappy after he was substituted off the pitch in the second half as Vinicius Jr came on to replace his countryman.
Post his exit from the field of play, Rodrygo seemingly ranted at Eder Militao on the bench. Additionally, he flung a towel in frustration after the small conversation with Militao. Not the best sight for the 24-year-old as Vinicius left an immediate impact on the game. Vinicius assisted one goal for Kylian Mbappe before scoring one himself in the dying moments of the game.
What did Xabi Alonso say?
Xabi Alonso was in conversation with the Spanish press post the Whites’ victory. The newly arrived gaffer was quick to dismiss all rumours, citing that Rodrygo is not headed for the exit doors. In fact, Xabi even went the extra mile and reassured the player about him being an integral part of the plans at the Bernabeu this season. Xabi Alonso has been quoted by the Mirror as saying –
“He had a good game. On the left side, he linked up well with Alvaro (Carreras); Arda (Guler) and Kylian (Mbappe) were also drifting over there. He had a couple of shots, and it was difficult to find spaces with Oviedo sitting so deep.
I liked what I saw. After last week, we need everyone, and Rodrygo is one more piece of the team.”
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Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have been tremendously interested in Rodrygo. With the summer window nearing its close, it seems like Rodrygo will stay put at Real Madrid for another season at least. The Premier League teams can have another shot at this transfer in January or next summer but it is going to be costly and not easy to convince the Brazilian to swap Madrid for rainy England.