The football world is in turmoil following the latest news of Liverpool’s interest in Real Madrid striker Rodrygo Goes. According to Diario AS , the Reds, driven by a desire for revenge after losing transfer battles for Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Endrick, and Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, are stepping up their efforts to land the young Brazilian. However, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has responded with a financial demand that has left Liverpool chairman Tom Werner disheartened: €100 million, compared to the €80-90 million offer the English club was expecting. This transfer saga promises to be one of the soap operas of the 2025 summer transfer window.

Rodrygo, 24, has seen his role at Real Madrid diminish since Xabi Alonso’s arrival as coach. During the Club World Cup, the Brazilian played just 92 minutes across three matches and was absent from the 4-0 semifinal loss to PSG. The addition of Mbappé and Endrick, coupled with the excellent performances of Vinícius Jr. and Bellingham, has relegated Rodrygo to a supporting role, sparking speculation about his future. Despite his solid stats this season—13 goals and 10 assists in 50 matches—his lack of playing time has attracted interest from several European giants, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and PSG.

Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, see Rodrygo as an opportunity to strengthen their attack and regain the prestige lost after failing to sign the stars who now shine at the Bernabéu. Slot values Rodrygo’s versatility, capable of playing as a winger or center forward, and his ability to create danger in the box. According to Don Balón , Liverpool have initially offered €70 million, with the intention of negotiating a transfer in the range of €80-90 million, a figure they consider a “cheap price” for a player of his caliber. This offer could be financed with the possible sale of Luis Díaz, for whom Bayern Munich have offered more than €70 million and Barcelona have also shown interest, according to Fichajes.net . However, Florentino Pérez has been blunt: Real Madrid will not accept less than €100 million, a position reinforced by the player’s release clause, according to Don Balón .

Perez’s response has left Liverpool chairman Tom Werner visibly frustrated. Sources close to the English club, cited by Defensa Central , indicate that Werner was hoping to take advantage of Rodrygo’s situation, with the latter expressing his desire to remain in Europe rather than accepting offers from Saudi Arabia. However, Real Madrid’s inflexible stance has complicated negotiations. Perez, known for his ability to maximize the value of his players, sees Rodrygo as a key player to finance future signings, such as a midfielder requested by Alonso, according to Cadena SER .

Liverpool’s interest is not new. Back in 2020, Jürgen Klopp tried to sign Rodrygo when he was 16, even traveling to Brazil to complete the deal, according to the player’s agent, Nick Arcuri, on Canal do Nicola . However, Rodrygo’s then-club Santos rejected a €3 million offer, and Real Madrid stepped in in 2018 with a €40 million transfer. Now, with Rodrygo valued at €90-110 million, according to Sport.es , Liverpool face an uphill battle to convince Real Madrid, especially following the recent arrival of Alexander-Arnold to the club for just €10 million, a deal that still stings at Anfield.

Rodrygo’s situation remains uncertain. Although the player maintains a strong connection with Real Madrid and prefers to stay, his entourage has leaked that he demands more playing time and a more prominent role, according to Sport.es . A key meeting between the club and the player is scheduled for the coming days, which could define his future. Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester City, are also on the lookout, according to Fichajes.net . Real Madrid’s next game, against Girona in La Liga, and Liverpool’s game, against Tottenham in the Premier League, could offer clues as to the impact of this saga on both squads. For now, Liverpool’s bold revenge move is up against Florentino Pérez’s firmness, leaving Tom Werner facing a huge financial and strategic challenge.