Why Rodrygo rejected Liverpool transfer as Man City could make late move

Eight years on from missing out on his signing, Liverpool could now be forced to watch on as Manchester City lands Rodrygo.

The Reds have of course already done plenty of business in preparation for their Premier League title defense, which gets underway on Friday against Bournemouth. Six new signings have been made this summer, including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, both of whom have made big-money moves in order to make the switch to Anfield.

And there’s every chance that one or two more major signings could be made before the transfer window shuts on September 1. Alexander Isak continues to dominate the headlines, but he’s not the only big-name forward linked with Liverpool.

Rodrygo has once again found himself being touted for a potential move to Merseyside, only this time it does seem as though there’s a real chance of him leaving Real Madrid.

Reports this summer have suggested the Spanish giant would be open to letting him go, with the Brazilian having fallen down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso.

Unsurprisingly, a whole host of top clubs are being linked, including Liverpool and Arsenal, but the latest reports suggest Manchester City may well beat its rivals to the punch.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Pep Guardiola's side could now make a late move for Rodrygo as it looks set to offload some of its forward options. Jack Grealish, James McAtee and Savinho all look as though they will be on the move, which would open up a space for the 24-year-old.

Guardiola is said to be a big fan of Rodrygo, and sees him as the ideal addition to his squad, although he won’t come cheaply, with Romano suggesting Real wants around $116M for his services.

Rodrygo moving to the Etihad would certainly catch Liverpool's eye, and not just because of the implications it could have on this season's Premier League title race, but because it would mean City have succeeded where the Reds failed.

Liverpool came close to landing Rodrygo's signature in 2017, back when the forward was still learning his trade in Brazil with Santos, and would have been available for considerably less money than he will be this time around.

The player’s agent even claimed that Jurgen Klopp flew all the way to Brazil in order to try enticing him to Anfield. Alas, his efforts wouldn’t pay off, with Rodrygo explaining why he turned Liverpool down years later.

“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 explained last year (via Goal).

“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.”

The chances of Rodrygo landing at Anfield now are looking slim, especially with the Reds potentially still eyeing up deals for the likes of Isak and Marc Guehi this summer. Liverpool fans will likely be hoping he doesn't end up at their rivals either though, with City potentially still having a major signing up its sleeve.

An original version of this article was first published on July 11.

Story Saved

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