Liverpool have officially entered the race to sign Rodrygo. The report, brought by Spanish newspaper AS, alters the situation for the Brazilian forward, who had been more closely linked with Arsenal until now. The Anfield club are working behind the scenes and have already sent agent Pini Zahavi to initiate talks with Real Madrid.
The Reds are interested in bringing a new attacker into the fold. Among those mentioned are Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and even Marcus Rashford, who has fallen out of favour at Manchester United.
Liverpool are set to travel to Asia for preseason, where they have a friendly against Milan in Hong Kong on July 26 and then take on Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan four days later. Now the question is whether they will have a new forward signed before they depart.
Negotiations begin as Rodrygo ponders role
Liverpool have ordered Pini Zahavi to open talks with Real Madrid for a possible deal on Rodrygo. The English club know that the task will not be easy — the Spanish outfit value the player at around €100 million.
Rodrygo remains determined about Real Madrid, but he is aware that his position at the club could be altered under Xabi Alonso's regime. Despite public praise from the coach, the arrival of Franco Mastantuono and the competition from Gonzalo García, a star at the Club World Cup, have meant competition for attacking spots much more fierce.
Premier League considered natural step
Rodrygo does not want to push for a transfer, yet he will not fight it either. He needs minutes. If they are not going to come on a consistent basis in Madrid, he views the Premier League as an appealing backup plan. The competitiveness, exposure and intensity of the English league make it a viable choice.
He is still interested in Madrid's project but knows that the situation has changed. If a deal is agreed, a move to England would be a natural career step for him.
Liverpool are now appearing more proactive than Arsenal. The Londoners are still interested but have not yet submitted a new offer. When it comes to this type of race, it is a matter of making the first real move and Liverpool are doing just that.
Offloading Rodrygo would enable Real Madrid to reduce its wage bill and create space in a squad bursting with stars. With several players coming through the academy and others being brought in from elsewhere, it is nigh on impossible to keep everyone happy.
Rodrygo is valued highly, but in the current circumstances, he's also one of Madrid's most salable assets. A large sale this summer may make sense more than keeping him without a guaranteed starting position.