Rodrygo seems to have made a 180-degree turn in terms of his attitude and commitment since Xabi Alonso arrived at Real Madrid, but the truth is that his future is far from certain. The player will have to demonstrate a change in attitude and performance if the club is to avoid selling him amid strong interest from the Premier League. The final decision will be made after the Club World Cup, which will be a kind of test for many players, including the Brazilian.
A difficult season that opens the door for him
Rodrygo Goes has not had an easy season at Real Madrid. Since his arrival in 2019, he has become an important player, but since the arrival of Mbappé, he has lost weight and his performance has declined throughout the season, reaching a critical point at the end of the season. After the Copa del Rey final on April 26, the Brazilian has not played a single minute for the team and has not been called up for the Brazilian national team.
His poor performance and goal drought have attracted a lot of criticism that Rodrygo has not been able to handle. The player has not scored a goal since March 4 in the Champions League and since January 19 in La Liga. His role, which is very similar to that of the favorite attacking duo of Vinicius and Mbappé, complicates his continuity, as the player has also asked Xabi Alonso to play on the left.
Rodrygo has made a change… but he still has suitors
The first few days of work with Xabi Alonso have been good for the player. Rodrygo seems to have found the motivation he was lacking. So much so that the winger has shared some images on his X account with the following message: “Happy.” He seems to have regained his motivation and desire to play, which he will have to demonstrate in the Club World Cup while his suitors wait in the wings.
The player has a market in the Premier League and Real Madrid knows that it could get a great return on his sale, which is estimated at no less than €80 million. The Brazilian is liked by teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City and, mainly, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who would be willing to make a substantial offer that could reach the €100 million figure sought by Real Madrid.
A candidate waiting in the wings
Whatever the decision, it will not be made until after the Club World Cup, and in the meantime, Real Madrid is exploring options for its attack, focusing more on a pure number nine who can complement Vinicius and Mbappé. In the last few hours, a name has been put back on the table. It is Siro López, who has once again brought up the name of an inexpensive player whom coach Xabi Alonso knows very well.
“I think they’re going to go for Schick, a guy who still has a lot to offer. He’s 29, so you can get four or five seasons out of him, and he’s good in the air,” said the journalist. As we mentioned, the striker has been playing for Bayer Leverkusen under the Spanish coach and has a price tag of around €30 million. The idea is to find a player very similar to Joselu who would come in as a substitute and score goals from the bench at decisive moments.