Reports from reliable sources have suggested Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow after Real Madrid officially announced the extension of Brazilian winger Rodrygo’s contract, cementing his services in the Spanish capital until 2028.
The move not only underscores the player’s loyalty to his present club but also presents a significant obstacle for any potential suitors, as a colossal €1 billion release clause has been reported to be included in the contract.
Rodrygo is enjoying a decent campaign at the Madrid club recently after he produced a series of influential performances for them on the attacking end of the field.
The 22-year-old has found the back of the net once and produced two assists in 14 appearances for Los Blancos this season across all competitions.
The Brazilian sensation has been a menace for the opposition based on his average of 3.2 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga.
He has even been accurate when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half after completing 88.5% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top flight (stats via whoscored).
The Reds have a history of nurturing and developing world-class talent, and the pursuit of the young Brazilian was part of their strategy to plan for the future.
With Mohamed Salah’s contract set to expire in 2023, the club had been actively exploring options for a long-term replacement to ensure the continuity of their attacking prowess.
The Egyptian forward has been a talisman for the Merseyside club, and finding a player capable of filling his boots is no small task.
Rodrygo’s potential availability had sparked excitement among Liverpool fans and added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing transfer speculations.
The news of Rodrygo’s extended contract at Real Madrid compels Liverpool to revisit their transfer strategy.
The club will need to reevaluate their options and identify other potential targets who can meet their long-term needs in the attacking department.
While Rodrygo’s extension is undoubtedly a significant setback for the Reds, it’s worth remembering that the transfer market is full of surprises and twists.
