Real Madrid open to selling Liverpool target Rodrygo

Real Madrid have opened the door to a possible sale of Brazilian forward Rodrygo this summer, with a €100 million (£87m) tag reportedly set as the starting point for negotiations.

Rodrygo has been linked with moves to top European clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool, since the latter half of last season under former manager Carlo Ancelotti, with interest intensifying under Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo, 24, has reportedly begun negotiations with the Madrid hierarchy to clarify his uncertain future amidst all the “noise” surrounding his imminent departure from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer transfer window.

According to a report from transfer “go-to guy” Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Rodrygo’s exit may be a real possibility, with discussions between player and club currently taking place.

Romano said: “Rodrygo and Real Madrid will have more rounds of conversations. Rodrygo is in front of a big change, a big opportunity. He got the impression while speaking to Real Madrid that the club are not closing the doors on him. If he wants to go, for Real Madrid, the player can go. Those are the conditions of the deal.

“Seeing reports of €80m, from what I am hearing, Real Madrid want way more than this. They will probably start over €100m, then this price could be reduced. Real Madrid are opening the exit doors to Rodrygo. At the same time, Rodrygo has to decide. On one side, there is the opportunity to go abroad and experience a new club, another chance to be a star elsewhere.

“On the other hand, Rodrygo is still in love with Real Madrid. It is not easy for Rodrygo to make this decision. Rodrygo loves the club, he loves Real Madrid, he feels that he can still give a lot to the club. So it is a complicated moment, where he has to make a big decision. If Rodrygo decides to leave, there will be a lot of movements around him, for sure. From Premier League clubs, and not only. So, the Rodrygo case will continue in the coming days. More than by Real Madrid, this may be decided by Rodrygo himself.”

The versatile attacker remains deeply attached to Real Madrid, but the club may consider offers exceeding €100 million (£87m). His potential departure hinges on his own decision, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs linked to him.

Arsenal have shifted focus from the attacker after signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea for £48.5 million plus £4 million in add-ons, while Liverpool remain in the market for attacking reinforcements to bolster their title-winning squad.

Liverpool have firmly rejected Bayern Munich’s persistent efforts to sign Colombian attacker Luis Díaz this summer, turning down the Bundesliga champions’ latest €75 million bid, as Vincent Kompany’s side continues to push for the Premier League winners’ star.

Rodrygo could seamlessly fill the left-wing role- his preferred position- should Bayern succeed in their pursuit of the former Porto star, Diaz.

Since joining Madrid from Santos in 2019, Rodrygo has contributed 68 goals and 51 assists in 268 appearances across all competitions for the 15-time Champions League winners.

Although Real Madrid rarely parts with prized assets in their prime, particularly to Premier League clubs, the winger currently ranks below Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé in the squad hierarchy.

Rodrygo’s prospects may not improve under Alonso, as he was primarily a substitute during the FIFA Club World Cup. However, the Brazilian’s high wage demands could also pose a significant hurdle for potential suitors.