It is one of the big unknowns at Real Madrid this summer, and like the club, Rodrygo Goes himself does not know what he will do once the Club World Cup is over. His role in this tournament, the decisions made by Xabi Alonso regarding him, and any offers that may arrive from abroad will be decisive for the Brazilian footballer’s future.
Real Madrid stifles Rodrygo
When the Real Madrid hurricane passes over someone, it is difficult to emerge unscathed. The consequences and scars are often difficult to erase, and that is what is happening now to Rodrygo Goes. During 2025, the Brazilian’s poor performances on the pitch seemed like nothing more than a mere slump, one of those that players tend to go through, but which he was always able to overcome, especially in important matches, where he seemed to bring out the best in himself.
But this year was the opposite: the bad run did not end (his last goal in white was against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16), but worse was the impression he gave on the field, lacking mobility, disconnected from the team, as if he were not there. The Copa del Rey final was the moment when everything started to fall apart. Ancelotti singled him out at halftime, and since then, he has not been seen on the pitch. He was out for the next league game against Celta, and a week later he withdrew from the decisive league game, also against Barcelona, claiming that he was not ready for that game. Nothing more has been heard from him, generating endless speculation that he is on his way out.
Real Madrid, ready to cash in
Real Madrid is making significant changes to its squad, and that means a large financial outlay that needs to be covered. The club’s management has no doubts about Rodrygo‘s quality, but also believes that his profile as a player is more than covered by Mbappé and Vinicius. The Premier League, aware of the Brazilian’s secondary role, is keeping a close eye on him and could open a bidding war that could provide a key financial injection to continue the restructuring ahead of next season. Let’s not forget that Real Madrid wants to sign a left back, a midfielder, and a striker.
Arsenal seems to be the team that has shown the most interest in him, but it would not be the only one: Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United are also closely monitoring the situation.
Rodrygo’s decision
The truth is that Rodrygo wants to stay with Real Madrid, but he is aware of what is happening around him. He is very happy living in the capital, settled in the city, and moving to England is not among his preferences. However, he is not closing any doors at the moment and has decided to wait until after the Club World Cup to see what role he will play under Xabi Alonso, with whom he has already had a conversation, although this was not enough for him to make a decision. His decision will be based on the role he will play and the confidence he feels from the new coach and coaching staff.
Real Madrid has neither confirmed nor denied anything, as they do not want to make any moves against their interests, so they have also decided to wait for the championship and see how the situation develops, but they are determined to sell. Real Madrid needs changes, it has signed players, it is going to sign more, and it needs to reduce its squad and payroll, and if that comes with a strong financial injection, then the transfer is welcome.