He was neither desired nor will he be a starter. Real Madrid's outgoing transfer operation has a new unexpected episode: Rodrygo Goes will remain at Bernabéu.
Not due to a technical decision, nor by his own wish. He is staying because there hasn't been a single offer that meets what Florentino Pérez demanded. With a World Cup on the horizon, that is a problem.
Arsenal changes target
For weeks, Arsenal explored the possibility of signing Rodrygo. Mikel Arteta saw the Brazilian as a market opportunity, but only at a reasonable price. Negotiations didn't even formally begin.
Florentino demanded at least €80 million. Then there was the player's unaffordable salary for the London club.
Rodrygo earns €12.5 million at Real Madrid, a figure that breaks any wage scale in the Premier League outside the Big Three. Arsenal, which had already considered Sporting de Portugal's striker Viktor Gyökeres, ultimately chose him.
They closed the deal for €63 million plus bonuses. Much cheaper than what Rodrygo Goes would have cost.
Gyökeres will earn €8 million gross in London, which is a huge difference compared to the Brazilian. The choice was simple. Younger, more physical, and much more affordable.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo remains at Real Madrid. Without guaranteed minutes. Without a spot in the starting eleven and with the threat of a permanent place on the bench.
Florentino, without buyers
From the executive area at Bernabéu, they accept that they'll have to "put up with" Rodrygo. The market has spoken and has been very clear. There isn't a club that comes close to the €80 million asked for.
There isn't anyone willing to pay his current salary either. Florentino has no room to maneuver, he isn't a sellable asset. That complicates the management of the locker room.
Rodrygo has a contract until 2027 and, according to sources close to the player, he is already considering following the example of his friend Vinícius. Running out the contract and leaving as a free agent to collect a multimillion signing bonus.
The risk is high, especially because he has already lost prominence with Mbappé's arrival and his future seems doomed to the bench. That's the difference compared to Vinícius.
World Cup on the horizon
The main problem for Rodrygo isn't the money. Not even the future. The urgent matter is the present.
If he doesn't play, he won't be in Brazil's starting eleven for the World Cup, no matter that Ancelotti is the coach. That is his biggest fear. There is concern in his inner circle.
Xabi Alonso doesn't see him as a key piece and prefers more direct wingers. Time is running against him.
Real Madrid doesn't see him as a priority. The interested clubs have already stepped away. At this moment, Rodrygo is too expensive to be a substitute, but not enough to be a starter.
A situation with no clear way out. Or maybe there is: stay and wait.