The Brazilian winger was not allowed to play against Osasuna, confirming that manager Xabi Alonso is not counting on him.
Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid has become untenable. The Brazilian has asked Florentino Pérez to sell him before the summer transfer window closes. All because he is not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans and is worried about the playing time he will get this season.
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Rodrygo, 24, is afraid of losing playing time and thus his place on the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti has told him that if he doesn’t get to play, he won’t be selected for the championship next year.
Rodrygo downgraded in Real Madrid’s squad
In Merengues’ first game in LaLiga EA Sports, the coach surprised by giving playing time to Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo García before Rodrygo himself. With Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr. and Brahim Díaz in the starting lineup, the former Santos player ended up as the sixth offensive choice.
Close sources claim that the Brazilian is frustrated. He is said to have confided in his inner circle: “I can’t wait a whole year on the bench.” His goal is to have continuity to convince Carlo Ancelotti, the national team coach of Brazil, who has warned him that without playing time, he will not have a place in the World Cup.
Florentino’s pressure and the transfer market
Rodrygo’s request comes in a special context. The player has a contract until 2028 and a high buyout clause, but his price in the transfer market has dropped. Madrid, who previously valued his departure at 100 million euros, are now willing to negotiate amounts between 70 and 80 million euros.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring the situation closely. The Gunners see him as an ideal piece to bolster their attack, while Guardiola sees him as a profile who can adapt to the Premier League. However, both clubs need to free up salary space before they can make an offer.
Last season, Rodrygo scored 14 goals and had 11 assists in 54 games, respectable numbers that still fell short of expectations. The collective weak performance of Real Madrid affected this, but his inconsistency cost him confidence.
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Rodrygo wants away from Real Madrid
Furthermore, the rise of young talents such as Mastantuono and the growth of Endrick – despite injury, but still at the forefront of the manager’s assessment – has strengthened the idea that his cycle at the Bernabéu may be coming to an end.
At just 24 years old, Rodrygo still has the potential to revise his career, but needs a scenario where he gets to play regularly. The Premier League is proving to be a natural destination, both because of its financial potential and style of play.
All indications are that Xabi Alonso has closed the door on his place in the starting line-up, and the Brazilian does not want to be a luxury reserve. Florentino Pérez, pragmatic as always, will consider offers if they arrive on the expected terms.
Rodrygo’s future seems to be moving away from the Santiago Bernabéu and towards the Premier League. A decision that could shape his career and that of a Real Madrid that once again faces a hectic market with important names on the counter.
