Arne Slot’s Liverpool Target Madrid Star as Long-Term Successor on the Wing | OneFootball

Rodrygo to Liverpool? Opportunity Beckons as the Brazilian Faces Career Crossroads

Real Madrid Star Weighing Future as Liverpool Remain on Alert

Rodrygo Goes stands at a professional and emotional junction. The Brazilian forward, once viewed as an untouchable in Real Madrid’s glittering galaxy, is now facing his most uncertain period since his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu. According to GiveMeSport, Rodrygo is “going through his toughest spell since arriving in the Spanish capital, feeling marginalised both on the field and behind the scenes.”

It’s a revealing insight into a player who, despite possessing talent to dazzle on either wing, finds himself edged out by an influx of elite attackers including Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. That Real Madrid trio is shaping a new era in Spain – one that could leave Rodrygo surplus to requirements unless there’s a major tactical rethink.

“Sources have confirmed he has now been questioning his place at the club for the first time and would be open-minded about where he could land next,” reports GIVEMESPORT. For Liverpool, that’s a tantalising opening.

Photo: IMAGO

Past Interest Rekindled by Uncertainty and Diaz Dilemma

Liverpool’s interest in Rodrygo is nothing new. It stems back to 2017 when he was still at Santos. At the time, the young Brazilian turned down a move to Anfield – a sliding-doors moment that could now come full circle. Since joining Madrid, that interest has never entirely gone cold, especially as the Merseysiders have quietly monitored succession plans for Mohamed Salah.

The article states: “Rodrygo’s limited playing time and frustration under head coach Carlo Ancelotti has kept Liverpool on alert.” Now, with Salah’s contract situation “resolved,” the urgency has perhaps dipped. Yet, as GIVEMESPORT rightly notes, “Liverpool do remain interested as part of a legacy plan.”

Crucially, a potential transfer hinges on another key factor: Luis Diaz. “A serious approach is more likely to happen if Luis Diaz departs,” with interest from Barcelona and Saudi outfit Al-Nassr lurking in the background.

It becomes a classic case of dominoes: if Diaz goes, the path for Rodrygo could be cleared.

Slot’s Summer Rebuild Looms Large

With Arne Slot stepping in after Jürgen Klopp’s iconic reign ended in May 2024, Liverpool are entering a new era themselves. The Dutchman will need to reshape the attack while maintaining the balance that made the Reds so formidable in recent years. Rodrygo could be a tool for that transformation – particularly due to his versatility.

Rodrygo is “described as ‘spectacular’” and “prefers to be deployed on the right flank but is capable of playing on the left.” His adaptability could become invaluable, especially if rumours prove true that Liverpool may part with Darwin Núñez this summer. As the report puts it: “There is strong suspicion that Darwin Núñez will be sold by Liverpool in the summer, if a buyer can be found at an agreeable amount.”

Should Núñez exit, Liverpool could pivot toward a new forward structure, and Rodrygo’s name would almost certainly resurface.

Elliott, Cherki and the Shuffle of Young Talent

Rodrygo isn’t the only attacker under Liverpool’s microscope. The same GIVEMESPORT report also shines a light on Harvey Elliott’s uncertain situation. Despite flashes of brilliance, the England youth international is yet to cement a Premier League starting berth. “His lack of starts in the Premier League is a frustration,” the article notes, although there is hope that he will “get a fair crack at it” under Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Brighton and Fulham have been linked, but Elliott seems to want Champions League football. Newcastle may offer that route, and Liverpool must weigh the cost of letting a potential star slip away.

Meanwhile, Rayan Cherki of Lyon is said to be “keen to head to Anfield.” Whether Liverpool pursue both Rodrygo and Cherki is unclear, but there’s no doubt that recruitment is under full review in what promises to be a pivotal summer.

Balancing Legacy and Ambition

What’s fascinating about Rodrygo’s situation is the human element. “He is at a crossroads and may be ready to move on from a club he has never wanted to leave.” This isn’t a player agitating for change but one who feels his career stalling despite his loyalty.

The pressure is real. The release clause in his Real Madrid contract is “worth in excess of £850million,” making it unrealistic to trigger outright. But Real Madrid’s openness to negotiation could change the tone.

Rodrygo “will carefully survey his situation before making the huge call on whether he could truly move on from the club of his dreams.” That’s the decision facing him now – and Liverpool may be standing at the right place, at the right time.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Perspective of an expectant Liverpool supporter

Rodrygo to Liverpool? It’s a tantalising thought that fans have flirted with for years. The idea of a flair-packed Brazilian, still just 24, pulling on the red shirt feels like something out of a FIFA Career Mode fantasy. But there’s real logic behind this one too.

If Luis Diaz does leave – and his links to Barcelona feel more credible by the week – then Liverpool need someone who can match his directness, flair, and work ethic. Rodrygo ticks many of those boxes and then some. He’s played in Clasicos, Champions League finals, and La Liga title deciders. He wouldn’t be coming in green.

There’s always the concern about whether a Real Madrid outcast can handle the physicality of the Premier League. But that concern fades when you realise Rodrygo’s marginalisation isn’t about talent – it’s about congestion. You try getting minutes ahead of Mbappé and Vinícius…

The idea that Arne Slot might get to mould a talent like this is incredibly exciting. Slot has a history of developing young attackers, and Rodrygo under his guidance could be electric. If FSG and the recruitment team are serious about bridging the gap to Manchester City, then moves like this are how you do it.

But it hinges on timing, clarity, and courage – from both Rodrygo and Liverpool.