Rodrygo will be a Liverpool transfer masterstroke, FSG must sign him

Liverpool have reignited their pursuit of Rodrygo Goes, with the Real Madrid winger emerging as a potential solution to bolster their attacking options.

For years, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Rodrygo to replace Mohamed Salah.

The Merseyside club has tracked him since he was a teenager and wanted to land him before the move to Madrid, but the deal never materialised.

Earlier this month, there were reports that the Reds had seen a €120 million bid rejected for the Brazilian international.

Rodrygo’s comments in an interview with DAZN yesterday stoked more fire. The former Santos attacker refused to commit his future to Los Blancos when asked if he’d love to see out the rest of his career at the club.

Rodrygo has since stated that his comments were taken out of context on social media, and he is happy to stay at Real Madrid.

However, despite the retraction, Liverpool should be doing everything to take the prolific winger off Madrid’s hands, especially now that the La Liga club is about to add Kylian Mbappe and Endrick to their roster, squeezing him to the periphery.

Rodrygo has long been considered a potential replacement for Salah on the right wing, but he will also be a cracking addition to the left flank.

Liverpool’s left wing is due for an upgrade, with Luis Diaz struggling for goals. The Colombian scored only eight league goals this term, missing 12 big chances.

Rodrygo has been stellar on the right but has shown that he is world-class on the left. He has the numbers to justify Liverpool breaking the bank for his signature.

The Madrid attacker bagged 17 goals and nine assists this season despite playing in unfavourable positions due to Vinicius Junior occupying the left flank.

His goals were influential as Madrid clinched a record 36th La Liga title and reached the Champions League final.

At 23 years old, Rodrygo has now been directly involved in 30 Champions League goals for Real Madrid:

◎ 49 games
◉ 20 goals
◉ 10 assists

And he’s only started 30 matches. ♨️#UCL pic.twitter.com/DetyDHiZZz

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 17, 2024

Rodrygo has shown a knack for scoring important goals, bagging 20 goals in 51 Champions League appearances, including late winners and equalisers against Chelsea and Manchester City.

Among forwards in the top five league, Rodrygo is in the 89th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (3.21) and the 99th for progressive carries (5.60) while recording 2.07 successful take-ons per game (95th percentile).

He takes a lot of touches in the opposition penalty box, putting himself in positions to score and create danger. He is a hardworking, all-round threat that can lead Liverpool’s attack for years.

The 23-year-old has several levels he can ascend to in his game and might have to leave crowded Madrid to fulfil his potential.

If he is open to a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, Liverpool should be waiting for him with arms wide, ready to pounce at any cost Madrid demand.

His deal runs till 2028 and has a €1 billion release clause, but Liverpool can negotiate for a much lower but still substantial fee.

He is a remarkable talent with world-beating potential, and Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), cannot afford to be deterred by price. They must be prepared to fight for his signature.