7 hours ago
24
Following a summer filled with speculation regarding his Real Madrid future, Rodrygo stayed put at the Bernabeu, though the prospect of a departure hasn't been ruled out entirely.
The Brazil international, who was linked with Liverpool during the summer, continues to have thoughts about an exit and remains prepared to depart the Spanish capital in January should his playing opportunities prove insufficient, according to reports.
Rodrygo has accumulated just 81 minutes across three La Liga games this campaign under Xabi Alonso, with the 33-cap international notably absent from Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil selection for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
The 24-year-old will undoubtedly be concentrating on securing his place for the journey to the United States, Canada, and Mexico for soccer's biggest tournament with the Selecao.
The forward faces considerable competition within the Real Madrid squad, with Alonso boasting options including Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Diaz, and Vinicius Jr. among his attacking arsenal, while Jude Bellingham awaits his return from injury.
TEAMtalk suggests the Brazilian remains "mindful of his future" and might pursue a January departure should his game time fail to improve.
Rodrygo has so far rotated starting positions with fellow Brazil international Vinicius Jr., while his battle for minutes under former Liverpool midfielder Alonso has attracted considerable attention since the Spaniard's appointment prior to the Club World Cup.
"It depends on what we need in terms of the game, the workload and the opposition," Alonso said of his team selections in August. "I haven't made a decision for the next month. I'm going to see how we recover and to make sure that people feel important and ready to start, come off the bench or be able to be in the next game.
"This is important for the stability of the team's performance. Today was a game to show that we're still improving. We want to continue like this, now we'll prepare for the Mallorca game before the break.
"We have twenty-odd players in the squad and I'm going to try to get the best out of all of them. Sometimes you can have a few minutes and be important, today Vini was important. My intention is that everyone contributes to the team. That's going to be the norm."
Rodrygo was reportedly targeted by Arsenal and Liverpool throughout the summer window and is set to visit Anfield in the months ahead. The Reds are scheduled to host Los Blancos on Merseyside come November, and after the draw was confirmed, Rodrygo shared his thoughts on X.
He posted: "A por la 16!" - which roughly means "Let's go for the 16th" - a nod to Real's pursuit of a 16th Champions League/European Cup triumph.
The Brazilian has previously rejected an opportunity to join Liverpool, though this occurred whilst he was still representing Santos. "We didn't close the deal because I didn't want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good," Rodrygo has previously revealed.
"The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.
"It had always been my dream to play in Europe. 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."
English (US) ·