Real Madrid, Rodrygo Set For Crucial Exit Talks Next Week

Brazilian winger Rodrygo is set for talks next week with Real Madrid over his future amid interest from top European clubs, according to reports.

The 24-year-old, who has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, was an unused substitute in Madrid’s embarrassing 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

Rodrgyo was afforded just 100 minutes of action at the tournament under new head coach Xabi Alonso, starting just once in the United States, with the likes of Gonzalo Garcia and Brahim Diaz favoured.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the forward will hold talks with the club over his future next week. While Portuguese outlet Globo claim that despite seeing his role diminish, Rodrygo still wants to remain at the Bernabeu.

The outlet describe the delicate situation as ‘like a game of chess’, with the player waiting to learn the view of the club before deciding on his next steps.

In addition to the two English clubs reported to be interested in acquiring the Champions League winner, reports this week have claimed that the current European champions have registered their interest.

According to ESPN Brazil, PSG have made contact with Rodrygo’s representatives amid the ongoing uncertainty over his future.

PSG boss Luis Enrique is believed to be a big fan of the 24-year-old, although the interest has not gone any further at this stage.

The Parisians had been linked with Rodrygo last summer, and they are keen to build on the strong position they find themselves in this summer after winning the Champions League.

Although Rodrygo, who is valued at €90m (£77m) by Real, may have a lower profile than the likes of fellow attackers Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr, he still has a hugely impressive record at the Bernabeu.

The 24-year-old has scored 68 goals and added 51 assists in 270 appearances for Los Blancos but it remains unclear what will happen next.

Nevertheless, speaking ahead of Real’s win over Juventus in the last-16 of the Club World Cup, Alonso maintained that Rodrygo has been training well but also stressed it remains his decision as to who plays.

‘After the game I try to approach everyone I meet along the way,’ Alonso said. ‘He had a few minutes [against Salzburg] that were important for him and he will be important.

‘In these championships, sometimes those who start are just as important as those who come in. They can have a decisive impact, so each player has to be prepared for whatever comes their way. Everyone is in a good disposition.

‘Rodrygo is training well and I see him in good spirits. Then it’s my decision who plays.’

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