Real Madrid winger Rodrygo could be on the move this winter as he pushes for a transfer in search of the one thing he’s no longer getting in Spain – consistent playing time.
Several Premier League clubs are monitoring the Brazilian’s situation closely, with tensions growing between player and club ahead of the January window
Transfer News Blitz writer Taylor Stephenson breaks down whether Rodrygo could secure a move and where he might land.
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A growing standoff
Once a key fixture in Real Madrid’s fluid, fast-paced attack, Rodrygo has become one of the major casualties of Kylian Mbappe’s blockbuster arrival last summer.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, the 23-year-old has struggled to find minutes, surpassing the one-hour mark in only two appearances all season.
Worse still, he is yet to contribute a goal or assist – an alarming drop-off for a player who previously thrived on the biggest stage.
With the World Cup approaching this summer, Rodrygo’s frustration is understandable. He needs to play regularly to secure his place in the Brazil national team, and those opportunities do not appear to be coming at Madrid anytime soon.
Real Madrid, however, are reportedly unwilling to sanction a January departure, setting the stage for a tense mid-season showdown.
Suitors on alert
Should a move be sanctioned, there is already a host of teams ready to make a move for Rodrygo, including a handful of the Premier League’s big boys.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be the three main contenders in England, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested in acquiring his services.
Oh, and of course, it wouldn’t be a transfer rumour without the Saudi Arabian moneybags thrown into the mix, would it? Ex-teammate Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are said to be the frontrunner in the Middle East.
Is the Premier League a good fit?
A move to all three of the Premier League teams mentioned before makes sense, all for very different reasons.
If Rodrygo does get permission from Madrid to leave, the Premier League could be an ideal landing spot for him, and he will have the choice of three different situations… that’s if the rumours are true, of course.
Arsenal
The Gunners should view January as an opportunity to take a decisive step in the title race.
Adding a player of Rodrygo’s creativity and technical quality could provide the final push they’ve lacked in recent seasons and help shed the “bottle jobs” stigma that still lingers around the club.
Liverpool
Liverpool appears to be stuck in an identity crisis, reflected in their inconsistent performances and the struggles of several of their big-money summer signings.
With Mohamed Salah benched in recent matches and speculation about a future Saudi move growing louder, Rodrygo could represent both an immediate spark and a long-term successor.
Manchester United
United’s issues are far simpler: they’re desperate for proven attacking quality. Beyond Bryan Mbeumo, their frontline looks worryingly thin.
Previous investments in raw, untested talent haven’t paid off. Rodrygo, with Champions League pedigree, would offer something very different.
If the club hopes to return to the elite, these are the types of signings they must prioritise.
Will he get his move?
Despite mounting rumours, Real Madrid remain reluctant to approve a January exit. The club reportedly appreciates Rodrygo’s desire for minutes ahead of the World Cup and recognises his dedication.
He even agreed to stay last summer under assurances of increased playing time that ultimately never materialised.
If he submits a formal transfer request, Madrid may attempt to convince him to stay until June. But if the situation becomes untenable, the club is unlikely to block a move entirely.
Where he goes next is a far more complex question. Rodrygo will need to weigh playing time, club stability, long-term opportunity, and his World Cup ambitions carefully before choosing his next destination.
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