Liverpool Eyes Rodrygo as Salah Hints at Exit: Real Madrid Star Faces Uncertain Future

Liverpool Targets Rodrygo Amid Salah’s Turmoil

As the January transfer window approaches, Liverpool finds itself at a crossroads. Mohamed Salah, the club’s talisman for years, has publicly voiced his frustration after being benched for three consecutive matches—a rare occurrence for a player who netted 29 goals and provided 18 assists in the previous season. Following a 3-3 draw at Leeds, Salah’s statement that he felt “thrown under the bus” has triggered speculation about his future at Anfield. With a potential move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey on the horizon, Liverpool is actively searching for a new attacking threat.

Enter Rodrygo. The Brazilian forward, currently at Real Madrid, is reportedly high on Liverpool’s wishlist. According to Fox Sports, the Reds are considering a January swoop for Rodrygo to fill the possible void left by Salah. The timing could be pivotal: Salah is expected to join Egypt’s national team for the Africa Cup of Nations, possibly missing up to six club matches if Egypt goes deep into the tournament.

Rodrygo’s Struggles at Real Madrid

Rodrygo’s situation in Madrid has grown complicated. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, he has struggled for regular minutes, starting just three league games and totaling 342 minutes this season. Real Madrid’s attacking depth—with stars like Mbappe and young prospects coming through—has left Rodrygo on the periphery. As Alonso juggles injuries and team form, the Brazilian’s role remains uncertain, making him a prime candidate for a high-profile transfer.

Real Madrid’s recent 0-2 home defeat to Celta Vigo only deepened the sense of crisis. Alonso’s squad was reduced to nine men, suffering from injuries to key players like Eder Militao. The manager openly admitted after the match, “We are all angry, obviously. It wasn’t the game or the result we wanted.” While the team’s problems have largely been attributed to injuries and questionable refereeing decisions, Alonso’s rotation policy has also meant limited opportunities for players like Rodrygo, fueling transfer speculation.

The Transfer Equation: Price and Competition

Liverpool’s interest in Rodrygo isn’t new. Manchester City previously led the race to sign him, but failed to agree on a transfer fee. Now, with Real Madrid reportedly valuing Rodrygo at around €70 million, Liverpool faces a hefty financial hurdle—especially for a player who hasn’t been a regular starter this season. Yet, the urgency of replacing Salah and regaining momentum in the Premier League makes such an investment plausible.

The Reds aren’t alone in the hunt for attacking talent. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and PSG’s Bradley Barcola have also been linked, but Rodrygo’s pedigree and versatility stand out. Liverpool’s attacking options are thin, particularly with their title defense faltering—they have won just four of their last 15 matches, slipping 10 points behind leaders Arsenal. For a team desperate to reignite its season, Rodrygo represents both hope and risk.

Rodrygo’s Next Steps: Stay or Go?

For Rodrygo, the decision isn’t straightforward. Staying at Real Madrid means fighting for minutes in a squad plagued by injuries but brimming with talent. Alonso’s comments after the Celta Vigo defeat suggest a manager under pressure, yet determined to unite the team and reverse its fortunes. “This is everyone’s responsibility, not just the players, coaching staff or club,” Alonso noted. “We all have to take responsibility for wanting to do things right and approach every match as if it were the most important one there is.”

Yet, if Liverpool’s interest solidifies into a formal offer, the Brazilian could find himself at the heart of a Premier League rebuild. His skill set—pace, dribbling, and an eye for goal—aligns well with Liverpool’s high-tempo style. And with Salah’s departure looking increasingly likely, the Merseyside club may be ready to make Rodrygo their next marquee signing.

What’s Next: Waiting for the January Window

The coming weeks will be decisive. Salah’s last game for Liverpool could be against Brighton, just before he departs for international duty. Liverpool’s management, led by Arne Slot, faces mounting pressure after a series of disappointing results. Fans and pundits alike are watching to see if the club can pull off a deal for Rodrygo, whose own ambitions may hinge on more consistent playing time and a fresh challenge.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces its own trials: injuries, underperformance, and the need to maintain squad harmony ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures. Rodrygo’s fate—whether he remains a fringe player at the Bernabeu or becomes a central figure in Liverpool’s attack—will likely be settled in the January transfer window.

Based on the facts presented, Rodrygo’s future stands at a crossroads shaped by Liverpool’s urgent need for attacking reinforcement and Real Madrid’s internal struggles. If Salah’s exit materializes, Rodrygo could become the linchpin in Liverpool’s quest to salvage their season. But the outcome will depend on decisive negotiations, both at Anfield and the Bernabeu, as two European giants navigate a period of uncertainty and change.