Liverpool are ‘Still in the Race’ to Sign Real Madrid Forward – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Eyeing Rodrygo as FSG Show Intent to Back Arne Slot

Liverpool’s resurgence under Arne Slot has led to Premier League glory in his debut season, and now the club’s recruitment ambitions appear to match their on-pitch achievements. According to Give Me Sport, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has been identified as a potential high-profile summer target as Fenway Sports Group (FSG) prepare to support their new manager with significant investment.

The Brazilian international, just 24, has reportedly been under consideration by Liverpool’s recruitment team since his early days at Santos, and the Merseysiders are said to be long-standing admirers. “Liverpool could feasibly sign the Real Madrid star this summer, ‘if Arne and influential decision-makers are bold enough to make a move to lure him to Anfield.’”

With Mohamed Salah now tied to a new deal and Luis Diaz expected to be offered fresh terms, the right-wing may no longer be a priority position. But Liverpool’s transfer model has consistently focused on future-proofing the squad before star players depart. Rodrygo’s availability could tempt the Reds into a bold move with them still in the race for his signature.

Game Time at Madrid Raises Transfer Questions

Despite his significant contributions to Madrid’s recent successes, Rodrygo has only started two of their last five La Liga matches. That drop in starts has only added fuel to rumours about his potential departure. While Manchester United have been loosely linked, their main focus is on signing a central striker, making Liverpool the more plausible suitor.

“Rodrygo… has only started two of Real Madrid’s last five LaLiga games, prompting more speculation about his future.”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite possessing an astronomical £850 million release clause, reports suggest a fee in the region of £85 million could be enough to tempt Real Madrid to the negotiating table. That figure places him in the same financial bracket as Darwin Núñez, whose own Anfield future remains unclear amid growing Saudi interest.

Slot’s Tactical Versatility Suits Rodrygo’s Profile

Though primarily a winger, Rodrygo has operated centrally on 73 occasions for Madrid, scoring 22 goals. That kind of versatility fits perfectly into Slot’s dynamic, pressing system, and with Liverpool potentially losing either Núñez or Diaz this summer, adding an attacker capable of thriving in multiple positions makes strategic sense.

Rodrygo’s profile aligns with Liverpool’s tactical blueprint — intelligent movement, sharp finishing, and adaptability across the front three. Given Slot’s use of fluid forward roles this season, adding a player of Rodrygo’s calibre could be transformative.

Diaz Talks Will Influence Summer Strategy

As Give Me Sport highlighted, Liverpool remain committed to retaining Luis Diaz, with contract discussions set to take place post-season. “The Reds are set to ‘sit down’ with Diaz at the end of the season in an attempt to negotiate a new contract.” While interest from Saudi Arabia — notably Al-Nassr — has surfaced, Liverpool reportedly want to secure Diaz’s future before seriously exploring Rodrygo.

Photo: IMAGO

Much of the summer’s direction hinges on Diaz’s decision. If he stays, Rodrygo might be shelved for another year. But if Diaz or Núñez were to move, Liverpool’s stance could become more aggressive — and with FSG’s financial backing, the club might just test Real Madrid’s resolve.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the idea of Rodrygo arriving at Anfield is equal parts thrilling and ambitious. This isn’t a typical FSG move — £85 million for a Real Madrid star entering his prime suggests a more aggressive transfer approach under Arne Slot. Given that Slot has just delivered the Premier League title, there’s logic in rewarding that success with elite reinforcements.

Rodrygo’s experience in high-pressure games — from Champions League knockouts to El Clásicos — would be invaluable for a Liverpool squad set to fight on all fronts again. He’s no replacement for Salah yet, but with time on his side and guidance from the likes of the Egyptian and Slot, he could grow into a world-class figure at Anfield.

Still, the uncertainty around Luis Diaz looms large. The Colombian has been electric in moments, but injuries and inconsistency have prompted whispers of a possible sale. If he stays and signs a new deal, Liverpool may shift focus elsewhere — perhaps to central midfield or a back-up striker. But if he leaves, Rodrygo becomes a genuine candidate to headline Liverpool’s next era.

Either way, it’s refreshing to see Liverpool not just monitoring top-tier talent, but positioning themselves as serious contenders to sign them.