Rodrygo transfer speculation grows as Xabi Alonso makes decision on player

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo found himself relegated to the substitutes' bench as the Spanish team kicked off its La Liga campaign on Tuesday, fuelling fresh doubt about his prospects in Spain.

The Brazilian, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, appears to have slipped down the pecking order under new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. Brahim Diaz got the nod in the 1-0 triumph over Osasuna, as Liverpool legend Alonso decided against playing Rodrygo.

Rodrygo has emerged as a potential target for Manchester City should the Blues opt to part ways with Savinho, who has caught the eye of Tottenham. However, that particular deal has hit a stumbling block following reports that City's decision-makers have vetoed any departure for the 21-year-old, barely 12 months after his arrival in England.

Nevertheless, with 10 days still left in the transfer window, further developments appear inevitable, though with City welcoming Tottenham this weekend in the Premier League, any business was always unlikely to materialize before that fixture.

For Rodrygo, the coming days remain shrouded in uncertainty.

City has harboured long-standing admiration for a player who has repeatedly tormented Pep Guardiola's team during Champions League encounters against Madrid, while Arsenal has also been touted as potential suitors.

The 24-year-old is believed not to have pushed for an exit from Madrid, with Alonso reinforcing his commitment to retaining the Brazilian following Tuesday's victory.

He said: "These are match decisions.

"The way the match was going, we needed another profile.

"There have been no decisions for the future.

"Nothing is going on. The Club World Cup was a different context because of the competition it was.

"Today it's just one game, we can leave the rest behind.

"What counts is this season and of course I'm counting on Rodrygo. It's just one game, we shouldn't read too far into the future.

"If he gets those minutes in three months' time, I'll be able to answer you with more certainty.

"Today it was just the circumstances of the game and my decisions."

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.