Xabi Alonso sets Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid before European transfer window closes

Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso, confirmed that Brazilian forward Rodrygo is likely to stay with the Spanish club for the 2025/26 season, despite speculation about a potential transfer. In a press conference, the manager highlighted the player’s versatility and indicated that the squad is nearly finalized, with the European transfer window closing on September 1, 2025. The decision comes after rumors linking clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United to the player, though no formal offers were made. Rodrygo, under contract until June 2028, has faced questions about his starting role since Alonso’s arrival, but his recent performance against Real Oviedo reinforced his value to the team. The 24-year-old’s retention is seen as strategic for the club, which aims to maintain its offensive strength in a competitive season.

Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid sparked debate throughout the European summer. Despite transfer rumors, no club submitted concrete offers meeting the club’s €90 million valuation. The Brazilian’s ability to play multiple attacking roles was praised by Alonso as a key asset.

• Key points about Rodrygo’s situation:
• Contract valid until 2028, with no formal offers received.
• Xabi Alonso praised the player’s performance against Real Oviedo.
• European transfer window closes on September 1.
• English clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal monitored the player.

The current scenario points to the Brazilian’s continued presence, though uncertainty about his starting role persists, especially with competition from players like Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.

Xabi Alonso and the value of versatility

Xabi Alonso, in his first full season as Real Madrid’s coach, is working to balance a star-studded squad. During the press conference, he emphasized Rodrygo’s ability to play various attacking roles, including right wing, left wing, attacking midfielder, and even center-forward. Against Real Oviedo, the Brazilian started on the left, a position Alonso noted suits his skill set. The 3-0 victory, with Rodrygo substituted in the 63rd minute, earned praise from the coach.

The decision to keep Rodrygo reflects Alonso’s confidence in the player’s ability to adapt to the team’s tactical system. Despite losing his starting spot earlier in the season, particularly during the Club World Cup where he played just 92 minutes across six matches, Rodrygo has shown commitment in training. His versatility could prove vital in a long season with competitions like La Liga, Champions League, and Copa del Rey.

• Factors supporting Rodrygo’s stay:
• Versatility to play multiple attacking positions.
• Commitment in training, even after limited game time.
• Lack of offers meeting Real Madrid’s valuation.

📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados!
🆚 @RCD_Mallorca pic.twitter.com/6S5Q2MZ3Vz

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 29, 2025

Transfer rumors and the European market

The 2025 transfer window stirred the European market, with Rodrygo among the most discussed names. Clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United showed interest but did not advance with concrete offers. Manchester City ruled out a move after deciding to keep Savinho, reducing the likelihood of pursuing Rodrygo. Arsenal, after heavy investments in players like Eberechi Eze, lacked the budget for a €100 million bid, the amount set by Real Madrid. Manchester United monitored the situation but prioritized other signings.

The absence of formal offers was decisive in Rodrygo’s retention. Real Madrid, which briefly considered selling the player to fund a midfielder, opted to maintain the current squad. The renewal of contracts for players like Brahim Díaz and Thibaut Courtois reinforces the club’s focus on stability.

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• Clubs that monitored Rodrygo:
• Manchester City: interest cooled after keeping Savinho.
• Arsenal: no budget after signing Eberechi Eze.
• Manchester United: monitored but made no formal offer.
• Tottenham: inquired but focused on other deals.

Rodrygo’s journey and challenges at Real Madrid

Rodrygo joined Real Madrid in 2019 from Santos for €40 million and quickly made an impact. At 18, he scored a hat-trick in the Champions League against Galatasaray, cementing his status as a rising star. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he shone in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League triumphs. However, competition with Vinicius Junior and the arrival of Kylian Mbappé reduced his playing time.

Last season, Rodrygo faced criticism for alleged lack of motivation in training, which his staff denied. The transition to Alonso’s management brought new challenges, with the coach prioritizing other players during the Club World Cup. His recent start against Real Oviedo signals a potential resurgence.

The Brazilian, not called up by Ancelotti for Brazil’s September matches, has a chance to solidify his role before the international break. The upcoming match against Mallorca on Saturday could be pivotal.

• Rodrygo’s standout moments at Real Madrid:
• Hat-trick in the Champions League against Galatasaray in 2019.
• Decisive goals in the 2022 and 2024 Champions League wins.
• Contract renewed until 2028, underscoring his importance.
• Praised performance against Real Oviedo in August 2025.

Real Madrid’s strategy for the season

Real Madrid enters the 2025/26 season with a strong squad but faces tactical challenges. Xabi Alonso, succeeding Ancelotti, aims to implement a dynamic playing style, emphasizing player versatility. Keeping Rodrygo, despite competition from Mbappé and Vinicius, suggests the coach sees him as key to tactical variations.

The club also prioritized renewing contracts for players like Brahim Díaz and Thibaut Courtois while navigating uncertainty around Vinicius Junior’s contract talks. The lack of major moves in the transfer window reflects Alonso’s confidence in the current squad, though he remains open to last-minute opportunities until September 1.

• Real Madrid’s priorities for 2025/26:
• Retain the core of the Champions League-winning squad.
• Adapt tactics to Xabi Alonso’s playing style.
• Ensure depth in attack with versatile players like Rodrygo.

Rodrygo’s next steps at Real Madrid

With the transfer window nearing its end, Rodrygo has a chance to cement his place at Real Madrid. The match against Mallorca, scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 PM (Brasília time), offers an opportunity to prove his worth. Missing Brazil’s September call-up could fuel his drive to regain prominence.

In the long term, Rodrygo faces internal competition but his versatility and track record position him well to remain relevant. Alonso’s decision to retain him suggests opportunities to shine, especially in a season with multiple competitions.

• What to expect from Rodrygo this season:
• Opportunities in various attacking roles.
• Competition with Mbappé and Vinicius Junior for a starting spot.
• Focus on regaining prominence lost during the Club World Cup.
• Potential to shine in key matches, like in the Champions League.