Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star could bid farewell after Club World Cup with club open to offers
Real Madrid may be preparing to say goodbye to Rodrygo, as a report from Fichajes states that the Spanish giants are open to listening to offers for the Brazilian forward ahead of the summer transfer window.
With the Club World Cup clash against Al-Hilal set for Wednesday at the Hard Rock Stadium, this could be Rodrygo’s final tournament in a Real Madrid shirt.
Rodrygo has struggled to make a strong impact in the 2024/25 season. His performances have been below expectations, and injuries have also limited his appearances.
He wants to make an impact
However, the 24-year-old, who scored 14 goals and 10 assists last season. sees the Club World Cup as a fresh chance to prove his worth as he does not want to leave. Hence, it is an opportunity to win the trust of new manager Xabi Alonso.
Despite Rodrygo showing a positive attitude and his desire to stay in Madrid, the club is keeping its options open. If the right offer arrives, they are ready to consider a sale.
While Real Madrid value him highly, his market price has dropped due to his recent form. Still, a good showing at this global stage could raise his value once again.
Liverpool and Manchester City circling
According to reports, Real Madrid would want at least €90 million to let Rodrygo leave. English clubs Liverpool and Manchester City are closely monitoring the situation.
Both teams are long-time admirers of the Brazilian and see him as a possible signing this summer.
However, both clubs know that if Rodrygo performs well in the United States, the price will remain high. For now, they are watching closely, hoping he doesn’t shine too brightly so they can try and negotiate a lower fee.
At the same time, interest from Saudi Arabia remains strong, with several clubs ready to offer big money for the young forward.
Rodrygo’s future is uncertain, and the coming weeks could be crucial in deciding where he plays next.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
