£70m Real Madrid Star is the Next Piece of Liverpool’s Attacking Puzzle – Opinion | OneFootball

Is Rodrygo the Next Phase of Liverpool’s Attack

As Liverpool intends to reshape their forward line ahead of the 2025/26 season, the next elite name on its recruitment radar is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. With reports of a £70m bid being readied, the Brazilian attacker may finally arrive at Anfield — years after Michael Edwards first tried to sign him, before his move to Spain. This time, Edwards is not the sporting director but the CEO of football operations, and it seems that many of his long-standing targets — like Alexander Isak — are now back on the table. This summer could be transformative and lay the foundations for an era of domination.

Rodrygo is a technically superb and versatile forward, capable of playing off the left, as a central striker, or off the right flank. His dribbling ability, off-the-ball intelligence, and work rate in transition align closely with Arne Slot’s requirements for wide forwards. But more than anything, he brings flair, fluidity and end product —  a player who can beat his man but also bring structure to the press. In a summer where Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez are both likely to depart, and with the tragic passing of Diogo Jota still echoing emotionally around the club, this move feels like both an upgrade and a statement.

At 24, Rodrygo’s best years are ahead of him, and with both Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior now undisputed starters at Real Madrid, a move away makes tactical and personal sense. In truth, Madrid’s overstocking of the wide positions has allowed Liverpool to pounce on an undervalued and under-utilised star — and Michael Edwards rarely misses when he sees such an opening.

A Forward Line Designed for Sustained Glory

With Florian Wirtz already signed, the addition of Rodrygo would not just bring high-level support — it would act as a strategic safeguard across multiple attacking roles. Covering for Mohamed Salah during AFCON, rotating on either wing, and potentially playing as a false nine in tight games: Rodrygo is the kind of flexible weapon that top clubs rely upon when chasing silverware on multiple fronts.

Alexander Isak, expected to cost around £130m, is the central striker being primed to lead the line. But Liverpool’s decision to move on from Darwin and Díaz — and to possibly cash in on Harvey Elliott for £50m to West Ham — means there will be space for more than one premium attacking addition. The Reds won’t want to overload, but they also won’t leave themselves short in a season that promises to be physically and emotionally draining. Federico Chiesa, if retained, offers depth and rotation, but Rodrygo brings consistent starting quality and the kind of dynamism that can carry a side through difficult moments.

There’s also a tactical fit that makes this move sensible. With Slot’s attacking structure reliant on interchangeable forwards and hard-working creators, Rodrygo offers a blend of final-third effectiveness and defensive discipline. The drop-off when Salah is absent cannot be as steep as it has been in the past — and with Jota tragically gone, Liverpool cannot afford to hope that fringe players will bridge the gap. They need proven, top-tier talent — and that’s what the Brazilian brings.

Madrid, Konaté and the Deal That Could Suit All Parties

There’s also the growing subplot of Ibrahima Konaté, who is reportedly a target for Real Madrid. With just one year left on his contract and no extension yet agreed, Liverpool are wary of allowing yet another elite talent to drift towards the Bernabéu on a free — as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Madrid has a habit of preying on contract uncertainty, but this time, the Reds may use the interest to their advantage.

A deal involving Konaté could help smooth the Rodrygo negotiations — either through direct player trade value or via separate transactions that meet both clubs’ needs. The French centre-back is admired in Spain and could find himself ushered into a move if he fails to recommit. Liverpool would rather sell him now for value than wait a year and lose him for nothing.

Ultimately, Rodrygo represents something bigger than just an attacking signing. He symbolises the new, cold-headed, ambitious Liverpool that Edwards and Hughes are building — a club that moves quickly, strategically, and with purpose. If they can pair him with Isak, with Wirtz and Salah already in place, then Arne Slot will be equipped with one of Europe’s most fearsome and balanced attacking arsenals.

And with number 21 the obsession now for a fanbase desperate to edge past Manchester United on the honours board, these are the kinds of moves required to win titles, not just compete for them.