Liverpool has been linked on and off with Rodrygo for some time. As the summer rolls around, the transfer speculation has returned, and this time the move could have legs.
While Jurgen Klopp was said to be an admirer in the past, a move to Anfield was not genuinely on the cards during that time. It was far earlier that Liverpool made a major play for his signature — and until recently, neither player nor club has since been especially amenable to a transfer.
However, that is all changing. Rodrygo has found opportunities harder to come by since Kylian Mbappe arrived, and Real Madrid is thought to be open to the idea of cashing in this summer.
That’s according to AS. “Rodrygo looks over the precipice”, blares its headline.
The report claims that Arda Guler has now moved above Rodrygo in the pecking order amid poor form. That could seal the Brazilian’s fate, making him “expendable” if Real Madrid wishes to raise money in the transfer market.
With an extension for Vinicius Jr agreed until 2030, his compatriot looks a little stuck on the fringes. There is still a potential lifeline in the form of Xabi Alonso, expected to take over at the Bernabeu this summer, but if he sanctions a transfer, then Rodrygo would be open to leaving.
Liverpool is named as a possible suitor. But would that part of the equation make sense?
There is something of a danger that Arne Slot starts to hoard wingers like Mikel Arteta does defenders. I know which I’d rather my club was doing, but another wide forward still does not seem like an overly pressing priority this summer as things stand.
(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
While Rodrygo has played all across the front line, his main position has been off the right. Mohamed Salah has that role locked down, and Federico Chiesa theoretically provides some back-up.
As a right-footer, perhaps Slot would plan to deploy Rodrygo on the left. But there he would be up against Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, and arguably Diogo Jota too.
But Liverpool is set to have a vacancy through the middle, with Darwin Nunez set to move on. Rodrygo has played 82 games there, and his versatility across the front line would make him a realistic reinforcement for Slot to target.
There is a legitimate question about whether there are better options out there. While versatility is useful, Slot may prefer an out-and-out number nine, given that Rodrygo has found the net just six times in La Liga this season.
For instance, he may not be a game-changer in the same way as someone like Alexander Isak or Julian Alvarez. Nevertheless, it remains true that someone of his quality rarely becomes available on the market.
And Liverpool is extremely aware of his quality. Rodrygo himself has revealed in the past that Liverpool tried to sign him while he was still at Santos.
“We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to,” he said. “I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good… Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder.
“I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool.”
Could it be second time lucky for Liverpool? It would certainly have to pay a lot more now than it would have done back then, but it would be an exciting addition to Slot’s front line all the same.
