Liverpool, the current Premier League champions, is intensifying efforts to sign Brazilian forward Rodrygo from Real Madrid in a deal that could reach €100 million. The move, part of the 2025 transfer window open until the end of August, aims not only to strengthen the squad but also to score a symbolic victory against the Spanish club, which has outbid the Reds in several transfer battles in recent years. The deal hinges on the potential departure of Luis Díaz, with negotiations ongoing with Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Rodrygo, facing competition for a starting spot in Real Madrid’s attack, is seen as a strategic addition to Arne Slot’s project. The rivalry between the clubs adds extra weight to the transaction, set to shake up the European transfer market.
The pursuit of Rodrygo reflects Liverpool’s ambition to cement its status among football’s elite. The English club, which has already invested heavily in players like Florian Wirtz, views the Brazilian as a key piece to revamp its attack. The potential transfer is also a response to recent losses to Real Madrid in negotiations for players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
- Main objective: Strengthen the attack with a versatile and experienced player.
- Negotiation context: Depends on the sale of Luis Díaz, valued at €100 million.
- Historical rivalry: Liverpool aims to reverse transfer market defeats to Real Madrid.
The 2025 transfer window is bustling, with Liverpool planning significant squad changes. Rodrygo’s potential arrival is a highlight of this period, which also includes talks involving Mohamed Salah and other high-profile names.
🚨 Real Madrid are waiting for a call from Liverpool to negotiate the transfer of Rodrygo.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 23, 2025
The Reds are in pole to sign the Brazilian and talks could start next week.
(Source: @okdiario) pic.twitter.com/0Rgq7X2r0Q
Renewed interest in Rodrygo
Liverpool’s interest in Rodrygo is not new. In 2017, Jürgen Klopp attempted to sign the then-Santos player, but the deal fell through. At the time, the young forward chose to stay in Brazil, a decision that led to his €40 million move to Real Madrid in 2018. Now, at 24, Rodrygo is an established player with 68 goals and 51 assists in 270 matches for the Spanish club. His ability to play across all three attacking positions makes him an ideal target for Liverpool, which seeks a replacement for Luis Díaz and a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, whose contract ends in 2026.
Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has shifted in recent months. With Xabi Alonso’s arrival as manager, the club adopted a tactical system favoring two forwards, reducing the Brazilian’s playing time. During the 2024 Club World Cup, he logged just 92 minutes across six matches, overtaken by players like Arda Güler. This lack of minutes has fueled speculation about his departure, with Liverpool leading the race to sign him.
Transfer market rivalry
The battle for Rodrygo extends beyond the pitch. In recent years, Real Madrid has outmaneuvered Liverpool in several transfer negotiations. In 2022, Kylian Mbappé chose the Spanish club despite Liverpool’s interest. The following year, Jude Bellingham signed with Real Madrid. Aurélien Tchouaméni also opted for the Bernabéu in 2022. More recently, in 2025, Trent Alexander-Arnold shocked fans by joining Real Madrid, reinforcing the perception of the Spanish club’s market dominance.
Rodrygo’s potential signing represents an opportunity for Liverpool to turn the tables. The deal is seen as a strategic coup, especially after losing Alexander-Arnold. The English club seeks not only an elite player but also a symbolic win against a historic rival.
Rodrygo’s fit for Liverpool
Rodrygo is considered the ideal fit for Arne Slot’s project. With experience in major competitions, the Brazilian has won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues. His versatility to play as a left winger, right winger, or false 9 offers tactical flexibility. During his time at Real Madrid, he played 82 matches as a false 9, showcasing adaptability that aligns with Liverpool’s needs.
- Real Madrid stats: 68 goals and 51 assists in 270 matches.
- Titles won: 12, including two Champions Leagues.
- Age and potential: 24 years old, with room for growth.
- Versatility: Can play three attacking roles.
Liverpool is planning to overhaul its attacking line, especially with Luis Díaz’s potential exit and Mohamed Salah’s contract nearing its end. Rodrygo, with his track record and youth, is seen as a long-term investment.
Ongoing negotiations
Talks between Liverpool and Real Madrid are in the early stages. The Spanish club has set a minimum price of €100 million for Rodrygo, who is under contract until 2028. Liverpool plans to send representatives to Madrid in the coming weeks to advance discussions. The sale of Luis Díaz, valued at €100 million, is critical to funding the deal.
The English club has already invested heavily in the 2025 window, signing players like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez. Rodrygo’s arrival would solidify their attack, aiming to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League and Champions League. The negotiation, however, faces challenges due to Real Madrid’s firm stance and the player’s long-term contract.
Competitors in the race
Besides Liverpool, other clubs are monitoring Rodrygo. Arsenal, which offered €90 million earlier in the window, still sees the Brazilian as an alternative to Gabriel Martinelli. Bayern Munich, in talks for Luis Díaz, views Rodrygo as a fallback option. Manchester City has shown interest but prioritizes other targets. Paris Saint-Germain is also watching, though without significant progress.
- Arsenal: Interest cooled after signing Noni Madueke.
- Bayern Munich: Considers Rodrygo an alternative to Díaz.
- Manchester City: Less concrete interest, focused elsewhere.
- Paris Saint-Germain: Monitoring without firm offers.
Rodrygo’s preference to stay in Europe rules out, for now, lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Liverpool’s history with Rodrygo
Rodrygo’s connection with Liverpool dates back to 2017, when the club offered €3 million to sign him from Santos. At 16, the forward declined, choosing to develop in Brazil. In a recent interview, he confirmed his desire to make history at Santos was a key factor in his decision. That choice led to his eventual move to Real Madrid, where he has enjoyed a successful career.
The initial rejection has not deterred Liverpool. With Rodrygo now facing reduced playing time at Real Madrid, the English club sees a fresh opportunity to bring him to Anfield.
Tactical shifts at Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid, ironically a former Liverpool player, has altered the squad’s dynamics. The manager, who took over after Carlo Ancelotti, implemented a system prioritizing players like Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Endrick. Rodrygo, once a key figure, has seen his role diminish, particularly during the 2024 Club World Cup, where he played sparingly.
Alonso described Rodrygo’s limited minutes as a tactical decision, but its repetition has raised questions. Sources close to the player suggest he is open to talks, particularly with Premier League clubs, where he believes he can secure a starting role.
Transfer window dynamics
The 2025 transfer window, running until the end of August, will be pivotal for Rodrygo’s future. Liverpool is prepared to make a significant offer, but Luis Díaz’s departure remains a hurdle. If the Colombian is sold, the Reds plan to accelerate talks with Real Madrid.
In addition to Rodrygo, Liverpool is eyeing other targets, such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, to bolster their attack. The Brazilian’s potential arrival would mark a significant step in the squad’s overhaul, aiming to compete on all fronts.
Rodrygo’s critical decision
Rodrygo faces a defining moment. With 12 titles won at Real Madrid, the 24-year-old has already left his mark. However, the increased competition in the attack, driven by Mbappé and Endrick’s arrivals, may limit his opportunities. Liverpool offers a chance to be a leading figure in an ambitious project under Arne Slot.
The Brazilian, maintaining a professional stance, is set to meet with Real Madrid in the coming days to discuss his future. His decision will shape not only his career but also the balance of power in the European transfer market.
