The transfer market can take unexpected turns, and this time it's Rodrygo's turn. For weeks, his name was strongly mentioned as Liverpool's main target. After Luis Díaz was sold to Bayern Munich, everything pointed to the Brazilian being his replacement.
However, in the last few hours, the information has changed completely. According to Sky Sports, the English club has decided to go all in for Alexander Isak, Newcastle's striker. They're willing to pay €116 million ($126 million), an amount that rules out the possibility of also going after Rodrygo.
Thus, the Brazilian sees one of his main exit routes vanish just when he needed it most.
Rodrygo, at a decisive moment
Rodrygo isn't going through his best period at Real Madrid. His last season was inconsistent, and during the Club World Cup he barely had any playing time. He was only in the starting line-up for the first match and then disappeared from the line-ups.
This worries the player, who knows he needs minutes and consistency if he wants to be present at the 2026 World Cup. His goal is clear: regain prominence to earn Carlo Ancelotti's trust, now Brazil's coach.
Time is working against him. For now, no club has made a firm offer to Real Madrid that meets the necessary conditions. Neither financially nor in sporting terms.
Madrid isn't desperate
From Santiago Bernabéu offices, the stance is clear: absolute calm. The board believes the most important work is already done, especially in defense. The arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Álvaro Carreras strengthen a line that needed urgent improvements.
The attack, on the other hand, hasn't been changed much. While the door isn't closed to a possible Rodrygo departure, the minimum amount is €100 million ($109 million). If a proposal comes in on those terms, Florentino Pérez is willing to listen; if not, the Brazilian will remain on the squad.
There's no nervousness at the club, nor any urgency to sell. The idea is to keep a competitive squad, and Rodrygo, despite his slump, is still a valuable player.
Now what?
With Liverpool out of the equation, Rodrygo must wait. His name is still being mentioned in the market, but the real options are shrinking. In addition, on August 4 he's expected at Valdebebas to start preseason with the rest of the team.
Time plays a key role. If no offer comes in that convinces all parties, he'll stay in Madrid. But if a club makes a decisive move, there's still room for a transfer.
Rodrygo needs a new boost in his career. For now, his future remains unsolved. What seemed like an almost closed exit has turned into a dead end with few ways out.