Liverpool intensifies talks for Rodrygo to outmaneuver Real Madrid

Liverpool, the current Premier League champions, are stepping up efforts to sign Brazilian forward Rodrygo from Real Madrid in a move that goes beyond a mere transfer. The deal, potentially worth €100 million, is seen as a chance for the Reds to exact revenge on the Spanish club, which has repeatedly outbid them in the transfer market. The 2025 transfer window, open until the end of August, sets the stage for this potential turning point. The operation hinges on the departure of Luis Díaz, who is already in talks with Bayern Munich or Barcelona. Bringing in Rodrygo, who faces competition for a starting spot in Real Madrid’s attack, represents not only a technical boost but also a symbolic milestone for Liverpool, aiming to reverse a history of off-field losses to Real Madrid.

The interest in Rodrygo is not new. In 2017, then-manager Jürgen Klopp tried to sign the young talent from Santos, but the deal fell through as the player chose to stay in Brazil. Since then, Real Madrid has consistently outmaneuvered Liverpool, securing stars like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, all of whom were Liverpool targets. Signing Rodrygo, now 24, would be a strategic coup, capitalizing on his reduced role in the Spanish side under Xabi Alonso.

• Liverpool’s motivations: Bolster the attack with a versatile, high-level player.
• Rivalry history: Real Madrid outbid Liverpool for players like Mbappé, Bellingham, and Tchouaméni.
• Current context: Rodrygo’s limited minutes in the Club World Cup fueled exit rumors.

The 2025 transfer window promises to be eventful, with Liverpool looking to reshape their squad after significant changes, including the signing of Florian Wirtz and the potential departure of Mohamed Salah.

🚨 CONFIRMED: Liverpool want to sign Rodrygo if Luis Diaz leaves.

He's their top choice. @FabriceHawkins pic.twitter.com/lbVRSqiEE0

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 21, 2025

Rodrygo in the spotlight

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has shifted dramatically in recent months. With Xabi Alonso’s arrival as coach, the club adopted a tactical system favoring two forwards, reducing the Brazilian’s role in the starting lineup. During the Club World Cup in December 2024, Rodrygo played just 92 minutes across six matches, overshadowed by players like Arda Güler and Gonzalo García. This lack of playing time has reignited speculation about his future, with clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City also keeping tabs.

The forward, contracted until 2028, has not publicly expressed a clear desire to leave Real Madrid, but sources indicate he is open to negotiations, particularly with Premier League clubs. His preference to stay in Europe rules out, for now, lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian teams.

Rivalry in the transfer market

Liverpool sees Rodrygo’s potential signing as a chance to reverse a losing streak against Real Madrid. In recent years, the Spanish club has consistently come out on top:

• Kylian Mbappé: Chose Real Madrid in 2022 despite Liverpool’s interest.
• Jude Bellingham: Opted for the Bernabéu in 2023, bypassing the Reds.
• Aurélien Tchouaméni: Joined Real Madrid in 2022, leaving Liverpool empty-handed.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold: Moved to Real Madrid in 2025, surprising English fans.

Now, with Rodrygo, Liverpool aims for more than just a star player—it seeks a symbolic victory. The signing would signal strength in the market, especially after losing Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for the Club World Cup.

The ideal fit for Liverpool

Rodrygo, with 68 goals and 51 assists in 270 games for Real Madrid, fits the profile for Arne Slot’s Liverpool project. His versatility to play across the front three—left, right, or center—is a key asset, especially as the club plans to revamp its attacking line. The potential exit of Luis Díaz, who has expressed interest in leaving Anfield, paves the way for Rodrygo, who could play on the left or as a false 9, a role he has filled in 82 matches for Real Madrid.

Moreover, Rodrygo brings experience in top-tier competitions, with three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. At 24, he still has room to grow, making him a long-term investment for Liverpool, which is already planning for life after Mohamed Salah, whose contract ends in 2026.

Ongoing negotiations

Talks between Liverpool and Real Madrid are in early stages. Reports suggest the English club plans to send representatives to Madrid in the coming weeks to discuss the transfer. Real Madrid has set a minimum price of €100 million (£86 million) for Rodrygo, but his long contract and the club’s firm stance could complicate matters.

Liverpool, however, is ready to make a significant investment. After spending heavily on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, the club views Rodrygo as a chance to solidify its attack for the 2025/26 season. The potential sale of Luis Díaz, valued at €100 million, could provide the necessary funds.

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Other contenders in the race

While Liverpool leads the chase, other clubs are also interested in Rodrygo. Arsenal, which held talks with Real Madrid earlier in the window, sees the Brazilian as an alternative to Gabriel Martinelli, who is also a target for Bayern Munich. Manchester City is monitoring but prioritizes other profiles. Bayern, in talks for Luis Díaz, considers Rodrygo a viable fallback option.

• Arsenal: Offered €90 million, but talks cooled after signing Noni Madueke.
• Bayern Munich: Views Rodrygo as an alternative to Díaz, whose bid was rejected.
• Manchester City: Has less concrete interest, focusing elsewhere.
• Paris Saint-Germain: Monitoring but with no significant progress.

Liverpool’s history with Rodrygo

The connection between Rodrygo and Liverpool dates back to 2017, when the club tried to sign him from Santos. At 16, Rodrygo turned down a €3 million offer, choosing to stay and fulfill his dream of playing for Santos. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, he said, “I wanted to make history at Santos, and I did. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”

His decision to stay in Brazil paid off, as Real Madrid signed him for €40 million shortly after, launching his successful career in Spain.

Xabi Alonso’s role in the equation

Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid, ironically as a former Liverpool player, has altered the squad’s dynamics. His tactical system prioritizes players like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and young Endrick, limiting Rodrygo’s opportunities. During the Club World Cup, Alonso described Rodrygo’s benching as a tactical choice, but its recurrence sparked questions about the forward’s future.

Rodrygo has remained professional. A recent Instagram post from his time in the United States showed him enjoying downtime, suggesting he is focused on rest before deciding his next step.

What to expect from the transfer window

The 2025 transfer window, open until late August, will be pivotal for Rodrygo’s future. Liverpool, having already invested heavily, is prepared to make a substantial offer, but Luis Díaz’s departure remains a hurdle. If the Colombian is sold, the Reds plan to accelerate talks with Real Madrid to secure Rodrygo before rivals step in.

His potential arrival could reshape Liverpool’s squad. With Florian Wirtz integrated and talks for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak ongoing, the club is building a formidable attack capable of competing in the Premier League and Champions League.

Rodrygo’s weighty decision

For Rodrygo, leaving Real Madrid won’t be easy. At 24, he has won 12 titles with the club, including two Champions Leagues and three La Ligas. His versatility and clutch performances have made him valuable, but competition from Mbappé and Endrick may limit his role.

Liverpool offers a chance to be a centerpiece in an ambitious project under Arne Slot, with a youthful squad in transition. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the final decision rests with Rodrygo, who is set to meet with Real Madrid soon to discuss his future.