Rodrygo is one of the most underrated players in Europe right now, with few wingers having more of an impact than him this season. At the age of 23, he is one of the best talents in his position.
The Brazilian is often overlooked at Real Madrid, mainly due to the even better performances of Vinicius Jr. But he has also proved himself to be as good, helping the team out on many occasions. Real Madrid fans would hate to see him at another club, though there was an actual possibility of that happening.
Rodrygo revealed details of his 2017 Liverpool deal snub
Rodrygo has revealed that he once was highly wanted by Premier League giants Liverpool back in 2017. The Brazilian winger recently disclosed this information at a time when he is being rumored to be about to exit.
At the time, he was only 16 years old and was playing for Brazilian giants Santos. The player revealed that the offer from Liverpool was very good, with a deal for €3 million already agreed between both clubs. Being an unproven talent at the time, he could have chosen to join the big club with a huge salary already at just 16.
Rodrygo rejected a move to Liverpool as a youngster 😱 pic.twitter.com/73I51PPPEl
— GOAL (@goal) April 8, 2024
However, he revealed that his intention was to prove himself at Santos first, the club through which he grew up. He said, “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.”
It takes massive guts for a young person to reject such a chance that many may not receive twice. Two years later, he would go on to play 68 times for his beloved club. The same year, he would move to Real Madrid for a fee of €45 million, where he had already proven himself as a great player.
Rodrygo wants to remain at Real Madrid despite Kylian Mbappe’s move
However, it seems Real Madrid and Rodrygo may have to part ways soon enough. It could be due to the inevitable arrival of Kylian Mbappe this summer, who would arrive on a free transfer from Paris Saint Germain. By all accounts, a deal has already been signed and is only awaiting official confirmation.
Mbappe still won’t be cheap due to his huge signing fee and wages. With his inclusion, there will also be too many attackers in the same team. Either Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo or another player must be sacrificed. Rodrygo could also fetch a very high fee, up to €100 million.
Rodrygo will stay at Real Madrid. He will not leave and he has made that clear.
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) April 7, 2024
— @marca pic.twitter.com/ijQsLyFx1e
Many clubs are interested in buying the player, including Premier League clubs Arsenal, Manchester City and even Liverpool. Bayern Munich are also interested in involving him in a swap deal, with Alphonso Davies going the other way. However, reports suggest Rodrygo will refuse to leave the club, as he wants to stay until his contract ends in 2028. If he does stay, he would have to accept playing fewer minutes due to Mbappe’s arrival.
Rodrygo and Real Madrid will now prepare for their next game, which is against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final clash on Wednesday.
