Real Madrid’s Victory and Rodrygo’s Absence
In the wake of Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna, manager Xabi Alonso addressed the absence of Rodrygo from the pitch, confirming that the decision to keep the Brazilian forward on the bench was entirely his own. This choice has been scrutinized due to ongoing speculation surrounding the player’s future, particularly with a host of Premier League clubs reportedly interested in acquiring him. Clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are said to be monitoring Rodrygo’s situation closely.
Manager’s Comments on Rodrygo
Rodrygo, now 24, was a notable omission from Madrid’s LaLiga opener, which took place at the Bernabéu after a slight delay to accommodate player recovery following their participation in the Club World Cup. Alonso reassured fans and media alike that this was not indicative of a larger issue.
“It was just one match, and I still consider Rodrygo an important part of the team,”
said Alonso. He emphasized that if the trend of limited playtime continues over the next three months, then a different conversation may ensue.
“For now, we shouldn’t read too much into it. This match was influenced by specific circumstances, and my choice not to play him was tactical.”
Rodrygo’s Changing Role
Once regarded as a vital part of the squad, Rodrygo’s position is now less certain due to the emergence of a formidable trio featuring Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. The Brazilian forward’s trajectory shifted dramatically after he played a pivotal role in one of Real Madrid’s most famous comebacks against Manchester City in 2022, displaying his scoring prowess. Since then, however, his opportunities to shine have diminished significantly.
Transfer Speculation
Real Madrid originally secured Rodrygo’s services from Santos for approximately €54 million ($62 million in current exchange rates) back in 2018 when he was just a 17-year-old talent with a bright future. While that initial investment seemed justified given his performance, the club’s stance has shifted in light of recent developments. Should a transfer occur, it is rumored that Madrid would demand around €100 million ($116 million) to start negotiations, with a minimum price tag set at €80 million ($93 million).
Despite rampant speculation in Spanish media regarding Rodrygo’s potential next destination, sources have indicated that these rumors are largely unfounded, confirming that no formal negotiations or offers have yet taken place.
Looking Ahead
With the summer transfer window rapidly approaching its close, the outlook for Rodrygo remains uncertain, although any prospective move would likely lean toward a club in the English Premier League, which he may find particularly appealing. The match against Osasuna was Alonso’s first full season opener as head coach, with Kylian Mbappé scoring the decisive goal. Alonso noted the need for further improvements despite enjoying a good start, stating,
“While the result is a positive takeaway, we still must address a few areas for stability to continue progressing.”
Ultimately, the stakes are high for both Rodrygo and Alonso as they navigate the opening stages of the season amidst the swirling rumors and strong competition within the squad.
