Ever since Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid from PSG last summer, the club’s depth chart has shuffled significantly.
A trophy-less season last campaign resulted in a number of changes, including the departure of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti along with a number of roster moves.
The individual most significantly affected by all the reshuffling is Rodrygo, once considered a pillar of Real Madrid’s future but now suddenly cast adrift to the edges of the attacking ranks. While Xabi Alonso sorts out how to craft the Blancos front line to spread out Mbappe’s responsibilities, it seems Rodrygo has become little more than an afterthought.
Thus, a move could be in order, but there are a number of hurdles to clear for that to happen. The Sporting News looks at the latest on a possible departure for Rodrygo from the Spanish capital — and where he could potentially land — with a number of Premier League clubs reportedly interested.
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Is Rodrygo leaving Real Madrid?
After a highly disappointing 2024/25 season, Rodrygo looks destined to leave Real Madrid.
The Brazilian has been with the La Liga giants since joining from Brazilian side Santos in 2019, blossoming into one of the world’s most notable wingers. Yet he has always remained in the shadow of greater talents, including Karim Benzema, Vinicius Jr, and most recently, Kylian Mbappe.
Last season, it seemed to fall apart completely as both Vinicius and Rodrygo struggled to adapt to Mbappe’s arrival. While Vini still managed to produce 22 goals and 19 assists on the year, even as he regressed, Rodrygo was utterly invisible, with his 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions representing a significant drop-off from previous years.
This year, under new manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo’s place on the fringes of the squad has been seemingly confirmed, as he was an unused substitute in the club’s La Liga opener against Osasuna, with young new signing Franco Mastantuono brought in off the bench instead. This comes after Rodrygo totaled just 93 minutes at the Club World Cup, having fallen down the depth chart.
Latest news, reports as Man City, Arsenal linked with Rodrygo move
According to reports in recent weeks, both Man City and Arsenal have shown interest in Rodrygo.
Given Rodrygo’s original position of left wing before moving to Real Madrid and flipping to the right to accommodate Vinicius Jr, it’s understandable why these two clubs have been identified. Man City have struggled to find a consistent left winger for a number of years, while Arsenal are seemingly looking to upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal also seemed to find themselves with additional urgency after Kai Havertz cropped up with a knee injury, but they swooped almost immediately for Eberechi Eze to fill that hole.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Man City have identified Rodrygo as a target, especially if Savinho departs amidst links to Tottenham.
However, the reason nothing has materialised yet for Rodrygo is likely linked to his price tag. Reports seem to indicate that Real Madrid would push for a fee over £100 million, meaning only a few clubs around the world could afford the Brazilian. While Rodrygo is still just 24, his significant regression last season has spooked many clubs away from him, especially given the massive price tag.
A lot more is still to come in this regard, and Rodrygo could end up staying at Real Madrid when it’s all said and done if no club wishes to break the bank for a player who suddenly seems a much bigger risk than previously believed.
