Neither player nor coach has given any indications of an exit but it won’t stop the rumour mill from turning
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Osasuna. Manager Xabi Alonso described the decision as tactical but it has only added fuel to ongoing speculation about the Brazilian’s future.
Rodrygo has been linked to several Premier League clubs this summer, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. A move to either Liverpool or City is highly unlikely for the 24-year-old, with Liverpool targeting defensive reinforcements – and keeping an eye on the Alexander Isak situation – and Guardiola complaining about having too many players in his squad.
Arsenal might be one Premier League club who could see the need to sign him, with the Gunners possibly still open to a left-wing addition. However, the £48.5m signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea and the recent contract extension offered to Leandro Trossard might communicate a different case.
Both players can play on the left wing and in fact Madueke started during Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Alonso has downplayed the situation with Rodrygo, saying it was “only a match” and that conversations about an exit should be taken seriously only “if in three months he still isn’t getting these minutes”.
But it won’t stop the rumour mill from turning.
Rodrygo had been a central figure for Madrid not too long ago, memorably scoring twice at the death to sink Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semi-final, but his role has shifted with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and injuries haven’t helped. To make a squad as highly competitive as Los Blancos you at least need to stay fit.
There is also competition this summer from youngster Gonzalo Garcia, who came in 12 minutes from time to replace Vinicius Junior on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, Rodrygo has given no indications he wants an exit. In fact, he has regularly expressed his desire to stay at the club, so odds are he will, especially with his manager also insisting the Brazilian remains part of his plans.
“Nothing’s going on,” said Alonso. “Of course I count on Rodrygo. It’s just one game, we don’t have to read too much in the future.”
