Real Madrid has started the season with new faces and surprises in the starting eleven. Xabi Alonso, the young white coach, has trusted Arda Güler and Dean Huijsen as essential pillars.
The Turkish and the Dutchman have earned starting spots in midfield and defense, respectively. Their role in the team is clear: to lead and provide stability.
Their consolidation at Madrid has also caused tensions. Some veteran players feel that there are teammates who aren't performing at their best. Everything suggests that the cause could be the intention to leave the club.
Rodrygo: a star on the tightrope
Rodrygo Goes has become the main subject of rumors. The Brazilian, a regular piece in previous seasons, doesn't seem to be part of Xabi Alonso's plans.
His debut in La Liga against Osasuna was a warning. Rodrygo stayed on the bench without playing a single minute. The coach's decision was clear: there are other footballers ahead of him in the rotation.
This has created doubts within the locker room. Some players believe that the forward already has an agreement to leave. However, the departure hasn't been finalized.
Florentino Pérez sets the price
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez hasn't made the operation easy. According to Don Balón, Madrid is demanding a minimum of €90 million to let Rodrygo leave.
It's a high price, typical of a world star. The board believes that the Brazilian remains a valuable asset, even though he isn't part of the current coach's project.
This amount has stopped many interested clubs. Most are Premier League teams, which don't want to take on that cost for a player who isn't in Madrid's plans.
Will Rodrygo stay in Madrid?
With the market close to closing, everything indicates that Rodrygo could stay at the club. The problem will be his participation during the season.
Xabi Alonso has already made it clear that he has players ahead of him. This means that the forward will have very few opportunities to play quality minutes.
The situation creates uncertainty both in the club and among the fans. Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez keeps handling the situation with his usual strategy: firm on the price and seeking to protect the value of his stars.
Real Madrid faces the season with youth, ambition, and important decisions that will shape its path. Rodrygo, for now, remains hanging in the air, while Arda Güler and Dean Huijsen look set to be the protagonists of this new white era.