One of the most interesting elements of the upcoming summer transfer window will be observing how Liverpool decides to revamp its attack. With Mohamed Salah’s new contract in place, there are numerous opportunities for Arne Slot to make his mark on the squad.
Given his record of scoring in 10 consecutive starts at Anfield — a joint club record — Cody Gakpo seems to have secured his spot, while Luis Diaz, after an impressive 2024/25 season, has expressed his wish to stay and sign a new contract as well. On the other hand, Darwin Nunez, who hasn’t quite met expectations, could potentially be let go if Slot is looking for a new number nine.
Diogo Jota appears to be grappling with injuries every other month, which is affecting his position in the Liverpool team, and Federico Chiesa continues to be linked with an exit after being recently left out of the squad that played against Arsenal.
The Spanish outlet MARCA reports that Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has no intention of playing for the Spanish club again. This strong stance comes after seven years with the club and is said to be due to his lack of playing time, which he feels he deserves but has been denied due to the recent arrivals of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.
The situation with Rodrygo at Real Madrid escalated last weekend when he supposedly ‘refused’ to play in the El Clasico loss to Barcelona, a result that has nearly concluded the La Liga title race.
Reports have emerged that he is ‘very angry’ and isolating himself at home. However, Carlo Ancelotti has moved to dispute such claims.
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Once rejecting Liverpool as a 17-year-old to stay with Santos, it’s now rumored that the Reds, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, are monitoring the winger’s situation closely.
Ancelotti weighed in on these developments while addressing the Spanish press. Even though it seems Ancelotti is on his way out of Madrid, he sought to quell rumors of discord.
“He had a fever last week that prevented him from playing at his best,” Ancelotti clarified, diminishing any rift speculations. “Today he had some discomfort in his leg that needs to be evaluated, and afterward, there’s been a lot of speculation about it.”
Ancelotti expressed strong personal regard for Rodrygo, who is said to be valued at around $112 million (£84 million), stating: “There’s a lot of affection for Rodrygo, especially from me.”
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Given whispers of Rodrygo’s dissatisfaction with his role at Madrid, Ancelotti replied: “When you’re not feeling well, you’re a little disappointed in that sense, but nothing more.”
Ancelotti, though, will be leaving Real Madrid in the summer. The former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso will be taking over, and it will be his job to fit all the pieces in his very top-heavy attacking puzzle at the Bernabeu.
Liverpool.com says: Rodrygo is a world-class attacker and if Liverpool could bring him in, that would be a big move. It wouldn’t be cheap but he would be an upgrade for Arne Slot’s forward line.
