Liverpool are ready to flex their financial muscle in a blockbuster summer move for Real Madrid outcast Rodrygo with the Brazilian earmarked as the dream replacement for Mo Salah should the Egyptian King finally quit Merseyside.
The Reds have been keeping tabs on the 24 year old ahead of what promises to be a frantic summer window. With Salah’s future hanging by a thread and his current deal ticking into its final months, recruitment chiefs at Anfield are already drawing up contingency plans.
And Real’s Brazilian forward has emerged as the prime candidate to fill those rather enormous boots.
Rodrygo’s situation in the Spanish capital has become increasingly complicated. Despite being dubbed “world class” by Luka Modric, the former Santos wonderkid has found himself on the periphery under Alvaro Arbeloa. With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior cemented as the untouchable starters, it’s been a battle for that third attacking spot alongside Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono.
The numbers tell their own story. Rodrygo went through the longest goalless drought of his Real career earlier this season, and though he’d started to rediscover his mojo before a recent injury setback, the writing’s on the wall. At 24, he needs to be playing week in, week out.
Premier League interest is nothing new, Arsenal and Manchester City have both been linked in the past. But Liverpool’s emergence as genuine contenders changes the dynamic entirely.
Transfermarkt currently value Rodrygo at around €60million, but let’s be real, Real don’t do cut price deals. The Spanish giants will demand somewhere in the region of €100million if they’re even willing to entertain offers. Given they’ve got Vinicius causing headaches behind the scenes and a squad overhaul on the cards, a shock departure isn’t beyond the realms.
Salah’s situation remains the elephant in the Anfield dressing room. Liverpool’s No.11 has been in his usual devastating form this term, but with each passing week without a new contract, speculation intensifies. The Saudi Pro League never went away, and at 32, this summer represents Real’s best chance of cashing in.
Rodrygo, then, becomes the marquee replacement, a statement signing that’d soften the blow of losing a club legend.
There’s a decent chunk of the season still to play, mind. Liverpool are defending champions and right in the mix for silverware on multiple fronts. But behind the scenes, the recruitment machine is whirring into life.
Whether Rodrygo ends up in red remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain, with Arbeloa playing favourites and a World Cup year around the corner, the Brazilian’s patience won’t last forever.
