The out-of-favour Brazilian forward has plenty of suitors as he weighs up a potential exit from the Spanish capital
Real Madrid and Rodrygo no longer seem like a great match. Perhaps they never were one. But the writing seems to be on the wall for the mightily talented Brazilian forward. He's an excellent left winger – probably in the top 10 in the world, stuck behind two of the top three, both team-mates. He is never going to be able to play in his preferred position for Madrid.
He knows this, and Madrid know it, too. Xabi Alonso hasn't really given him a chance during the Club World Cup, and Carlo Ancelotti made it pretty clear, too, that he didn't fancy Rodrygo in his XI towards the end of last season. Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz are both getting in ahead of him. It is time to move on – no matter Alonso's attempts to put on a united front in press conferences of late.
But where to now? Rodyrgo is a tough player to figure out. He is certainly a left-sided forward of some description, but his exact fit in a starting XI is up for debate. His versatility is invaluable, but this is a player whose talent really needs to be maximised in a team that can cater to his needs. Arsenal seem the most likely fit, but there are a few other suitors who could use a player who undoubtedly has the potential to be truly world class.
GOAL looks at the best possible destinations for the Brazilian star…
Getty 6Man Utd
Let's have some fun. Ruben Amorim is a poor fit for this United team. He doesn't have the players to play his system, but is beyond hellbent on sticking to it. No one wins here. Even his two big signings that are expected to get over the line – Bryan Mbeumo and the already-signed Matheus Cunha – aren't seamless fits. What Amorim needs is a target striker and an inside left attacking midfielder/forward hybrid to facilitate. Remind you of anyone?
Rodrygo is an interesting, if imperfect, stylistic fit here. But he does check boxes in terms of position, quality on the ball and work rate. There were glimpses of his ability to work with a central striker, too, in some of his tidy combinations with Joselu in the 2023-24 season in Madrid. If anything, the problem actually runs the other way. United's finances are a mess. There isn't any Champions League football on offer. Their team isn't great. But this is still Manchester United, and that still seems to count for something.
AdvertisementGetty Images5A Saudi Pro League side
Another summer, and another chance for the Saudi Pro League to go big. The latest to be linked with a move was Darwin Nunez, but it seems that Serie A is more likely for him. And with Vinicius very much part of Alonso's plans despite the clear tactical difficulties, Rodrygo may be the odd man out who is willing to cash in.
The question of "star power" here is an interesting one. Rodrygo isn't particularly glamorous or flashy. The name value doesn't really ring true yet. But he is undeniably an excellent footballer, and would raise the level of whatever Saudi team he potentially signs for. There's also a passing of the torch vibe here, with Cristiano Ronaldo penning a short-term deal to stick around. The league needs a new star now. Rodrygo could be that man.
He might also be the first player who could go to Saudi and return to another European club. This whole thing reeks of PSG in five years.
Getty Images4Man City or Liverpool
The argument here is basically the same for both teams – they possess two complete forward lines who don't really need upgrading, now, especially with their transfer priorities lying elsewhere. Liverpool need a centre-back, a defensive midfielder and a striker before they need a left-winger. City need midfield help, and perhaps full-back depth, too. Doku and Diaz, respectively, are fine players who could be part of any league-winning side – especially given the systems they play in.
Liverpool held an interest before, and City are always on the lookout for top talent – the Pep Guardiola allure is real. Neither is likely, but both could be interesting outside options.
X/Galatasaray3Bayern Munich
Do Bayern actually have any wingers anymore? Leroy Sane is gone for good this time, being shipped off to Galatasaray. Kingsley Coman is linked with a move away pretty much every week. Serge Gnabry cannot stay fit.
What they need, then, is a new winger to carry them into the next generation. Jamal Musiala is the star man going forward, but it is well known that the Bavarians were willing to spend big on Florian Wirtz before he chose to join Arne Slot and Liverpool.
Why not go after perhaps the next best creative option out there? Bayern, admittedly, have a track record of signing from elsewhere in the Bundesliga, but his combination with Musiala could be the stuff of dreams, and his work rate should help free up Harry Kane to spearhead the attack and require him to do less running.