Real Madrid Star Rodrygo Makes Decision On Future
Real Madrid star Rodrygo appears to have made a decision on his future amid the arrival of new head ... More coach Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo appears to have made a decision on his future amid the arrival of new head coach Xabi Alonso.
The Brazilian, who landed in the Spanish capital from Santos upon turning 18 in 2019, didn't end the 2024/2025 season in the best of fashions as his club went without major silverware.
As Rodrygo lost his place in the starting line up to Arda Guler, Radio MARCA reported that he didn't want to play for Los Blancos again.
When Guler started El Clasico, and then-manager Carlo Ancelotti brought on Victor Munoz instead of Rodrygo as Madrid looked to equalize FC Barcelona in an 4-3 loss that pretty much saw the visitors cede the La Liga title in Montjuic, it seemed like the end was night for the number 11.
Recent weeks have seen him linked with a potential transfer to Arsenal, while there have been constant rumors of becoming a protagonist on Manchester City's frontline ever since Madrid fans blasted him for praising Pep Guardiola's team in a poorly thought out interview in 2024.
Though there doesn't seem to have been a fallout between Ancelotti and Rodrygo, the Italian taking up the reins for the forward's national team has meant a changing of the guard in that Xabi Alonso now mans Los Blancos' dugout.
A video of Alonso running instructions past Rodrygo on the training ground has already done the rounds on social media, and the player himself took to Instagram by posting pictures of himself preparing for the Club World Cup with the simple caption: 'HAPPY'
SPORT reports that the 'tables have turned' for Rodrygo, who was been convinced to stay at Madrid and 'try to be important in the team' which could above all mean taking back his spot in an attacking trident completed by Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe.
Ultimately, however, Rodrygo's Real Madrid future might not be in his hands. With his future already threatened by Guler, we also must consider the expected arrival of River Plater wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who should cross the Atlantic to join Alonso's squad after the Club World Cup.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Star's Registration Deleted By La Liga
La Liga had to delete the registration of new FC Barcelona star Joan Garcia after mistakenly ... More including him in the Catalans' first team squad on Friday afternoon, a few hours after the goalkeeper signed his contract at the Joan Gamper CT. La Liga had to delete the registration of new FC Barcelona star Joan Garcia after mistakenly including him in the Catalans' first team squad on Friday afternoon, a few hours after the goalkeeper signed his contract at the Joan Gamper CT. Garcia became Barca's first port of call in the summer transfer window thanks to his breakout 2024/2025 season. It was a campaign in which the Blaugrana became treble champions of Spain, yet ended up seeking a new shotstopper thanks to leaking seven goals in the Champions League semifinals to Inter Milan which denied it the chance to get to the decider for the first time since 2015. It was important to pounce on the opportunity to sign Garcia while his release clause was still at a reasonable €25 million, and that value would have only risen in the near future had he made his expected Spain debut under Luis de la Fuente. Garcia's representatives deposited the required funds on Friday last week, ahead of the 24-year-old's signing being officially announced by Barca and him then penning a six-year contract at the Joan Gamper CT. "I'm very happy, I really wanted this day to come and it has finally arrived," Garcia said. 'My goal is to continue growing as a goalkeeper and win a lot, achieve very nice things with the team, that's why I have come.' 'It is a very exciting project, with a great team and very young players, whom I already know. I really want to start and be with them,' he added. Yet eagle-eyed outlets such as Mundo Deportivo spotted that Garcia was immediately uploaded to Hansi Flick's squad in error. The mistake was quickly rectified and Garcia only appeared there for a few minutes, but he was then swiftly deleted. While some clubs such as Real Madrid can have new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen uploaded to its squad on the La Liga website and registered immediately, it's not as straightforward at Barca where for the past few summers President Joan Laporta and Deco have had to do economic gymnastics to get new signings cleared to lace their boots up while the club stays on the right side of Financial Fair Play (FFP). FC Barcelona will continue trying to make new signings Despite this predicament, FC Barcelona will continue trying to make new signings and has reportedly agreed terms with Nico Williams. It now remains to be see how and when Laporta and Co can raise the Euro 2024's $66.8 million (€58 million) release clause.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Martin Zubimendi lands in London to seal Arsenal switch
Arsenal are on course to finally complete the transfer signing of Martin Zubimendi in the coming days. The midfielder had agreed a deal with Gunners last month, but late interest from Real Madrid changed the situation, as Zubimendi kept his options open a move to the Spanish capital. Advertisement Despite constant reports from the UK since late January, claiming Mikel Arteta had wrapped up a deal for his fellow Basque, there were also consistent string of reports in Spain stating Los Blancos were still interested in the 26-year-old La Roja international. Why Zubimendi chose Arsenal over Real Madrid? Fans from both sides will argue this one but there appears to be several factors at play. Arsnal's interest has been established for longer with Arteta and Andrea Berta both reportedly speaking to Zubimendi to outline his place in their plans. Finances are also important, from both La Real and Arsenal's perspectives, with the Premier League side willing to pay more than his €60m release clause in order to be able to do so in instalments, and that tipped the balance. Advertisement A last minute push to be reunited with Xabi Alonso fell short amid rumours of Florentino Perez blocking an offer as he believes Real Madrid are well stocked in midfield. Who will Zubimendi replace at Arsenal? If Real Madrid's midfield is viewed as full by Perez, Arsenal are short on numbers, with Arteta losing two experienced figures. Jorginho has already completed a free transfer move to Flamengo in time for the FIFA Club World Cup and Thomas Partey will leave when his contract expires at the end of June. Zubimendi's arrival could be pushed back to July 1, to keep in line with financial rules, and he is expected to play as a deep-lying No.6 behind Declan Rice and former teammates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Report: Arsenal target surprise Premier League midfielder
Arsenal Eye Brentford Skipper as Partey Successor – Could Norgaard Be the Answer? Midfield Overhaul Underway at Arsenal Arsenal's midfield rebuild is gaining momentum this summer, with significant changes on the cards. Martin Zubimendi's arrival from Real Sociedad is all but confirmed, but the exits of Jorginho and Thomas Partey have left a glaring void at the base of midfield. Advertisement As reported by The Mirror, the Gunners are now exploring a surprise option: Brentford's Christian Norgaard. The 31-year-old Dane has emerged as a potential target, with Arsenal considering a move to bolster their depth and experience in central midfield. With two years remaining on his contract and Brentford open to business under the right conditions, a deal could be feasible—especially if Norgaard fancies one last big step in his career. Norgaard's Experience Could Prove Valuable Since joining Brentford in 2019, Norgaard has been a cornerstone of the club's rise and resilience in the Premier League. A composed and intelligent operator, he helped the Bees secure top-flight survival for five consecutive seasons. Last term, he made 34 appearances under Thomas Frank and continued to feature regularly for Denmark. 'The Bees captain has been integral to the club securing five straight seasons of Premier League football,' wrote The Mirror. At 31, Norgaard might not fit the usual Arsenal recruitment profile, but in a squad now lighter in midfield experience, he could provide crucial balance. Departures Spark Urgency in Midfield Reinforcement With Jorginho having already joined Flamengo and Partey expected to leave at the end of his contract, Mikel Arteta must act decisively. Partey's influence was substantial—he featured 52 times in all competitions last season. Losing both him and Jorginho without adequate replacements would leave the Gunners exposed. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Arsenal will hope Zubimendi can transition quickly to English football, but banking solely on him and Declan Rice would be risky. A steady, low-cost option like Norgaard, who understands the Premier League's physical and tactical demands, could be ideal cover. Value Over Flash: A Smart Squad Addition? While not the headline-grabbing name fans may crave, Norgaard offers a sensible mix of experience, defensive reliability, and leadership. As The Mirror notes, 'if Arsenal made a move and Norgaard was interested in a final big move… then the Bees may allow him to exit for a cut-price fee.' In a market inflated by PSR constraints, this type of opportunistic move could prove shrewd. Arsenal's long-term ambitions require both squad depth and quality, and Norgaard ticks several of those boxes. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From an Arsenal supporter's point of view, the link to Christian Norgaard is a curveball—but not an entirely unwelcome one. On paper, it may seem underwhelming compared to the likes of Zubimendi or the big-money targets often discussed. But dig a little deeper, and there's a logic to it. Advertisement First, Mikel Arteta has shown he values tactical intelligence and positional discipline—traits Norgaard brings in spades. At Brentford, he was the anchor that allowed their dynamic forwards and wing-backs to flourish. He reads danger well, breaks up play, and recycles possession efficiently—traits that would benefit Arsenal, especially in games where control is key. His age could be a sticking point for some fans, especially given the club's focus on youth. But if Norgaard is available for a modest fee, he represents a risk-free option with immediate utility. He wouldn't block the development of players like Rice or Zubimendi, but rather provide mentoring and rotation. Of course, whether Brentford would sell to a London rival, and whether Norgaard himself would accept a role that may not guarantee week-in, week-out starts, remains to be seen. But as far as experienced cover goes, this is a move that could make sense—especially in a season where Arsenal aim to challenge on multiple fronts again.
