Madrid’s reduced valuation puts Liverpool on alert | OneFootball

Rodrygo Back on Liverpool’s Radar as Real Madrid Drop Price Tag

As Liverpool’s pre-season tour rolls through Asia, much of the club’s intrigue lies away from the pitch. While the 4-2 loss to AC Milan generated some talking points, the real focus remains on Arne Slot’s evolving squad and how Liverpool may respond to the looming exits of key attacking figures.

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With Luis Diaz reportedly close to sealing a move to Bayern Munich and Darwin Nunez expected to follow him through the exit door, the club’s attacking options are under scrutiny. Eyes have naturally turned to potential replacements, and one familiar name has returned to the conversation: Rodrygo.

Madrid stance opens door for movement

According to the Echo AS, Real Madrid are prepared to lower their valuation of the Brazilian winger. Previously holding firm at £80 million, the Spanish giants are now said to be open to negotiating a lower fee to help facilitate Rodrygo’s departure. This shift has reportedly alerted several European clubs, including Liverpool, who have a long-standing interest in the player.

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Rodrygo’s situation in Madrid has become increasingly uncertain. The 24-year-old was handed a limited role during the Club World Cup and is reportedly not in Xabi Alonso’s plans moving forward. This potential availability presents an opportunity that Liverpool may find hard to ignore.

Rodrygo link not new to Anfield

Liverpool were close to securing Rodrygo’s services before he moved to Spain in 2019. That admiration has lingered. While no formal offer has been made yet, the combination of reduced cost and the player’s technical fit for Liverpool’s system could make him an attractive option in the post-Diaz era.

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Rodrygo’s versatility, work rate and experience at the elite level match the profile Liverpool tend to favour. The Echo notes that, while Liverpool’s interest is yet to be defined as concrete, the shift in Madrid’s stance could trigger movement, especially if further funds are generated through outgoing transfers.

Slot’s attack could use fresh spark

With Arne Slot placing emphasis on fluid attacking transitions and intelligent movement in the final third, a player of Rodrygo’s profile could be a valuable asset. He has shown at Real Madrid that he can play across the front three, maintain width or tuck inside, and press aggressively from the front all traits that would fit the Dutchman’s vision for Liverpool.

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Transfer decisions gathering pace

Much of Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer has been about timing. Patience has been key as they wait to navigate a market increasingly driven by inflated valuations and tight FFP margins. But if Rodrygo truly is on the market at a reduced price, Liverpool may look to strike, particularly if they find themselves with a shortfall of wide options come August.

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Rodrygo is no speculative gamble. He has Champions League pedigree, La Liga experience, and is entering his peak years. If Real Madrid are genuinely lowering their asking price, Liverpool would be foolish not to make serious enquiries. With Diaz’s departure reportedly agreed and Nunez’s future hanging in the balance, a wide forward of Rodrygo’s class would inject real excitement into the rebuild under Slot.

There are still questions. Can he adapt quickly to the demands of English football? Would he accept a role in a system that asks more of its wide players off the ball? But in terms of potential and proven quality, Rodrygo ticks more boxes than most.

This deal, if it happens, would be a statement that Liverpool are not just looking to replace, they are looking to evolve. And with the clock ticking down to the new season, a move of this calibre could be the catalyst for a thrilling new chapter at Anfield.