Liverpool ‘are still keen on Real Madrid star Rodrygo and ready to make a move – but only on one condition’ as Jürgen Klopp seeks to strengthen attack further

For months now, Liverpool fans have been closely monitoring every piece of transfer news, every rumour from Spain, and every whisper surrounding one particular player — Rodrygo Goes. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who once seemed destined to be a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s attack, now finds himself in a precarious situation at the Santiago Bernabéu. This uncertainty has caught the attention of Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and the club’s hierarchy, though there’s a twist: Liverpool are not prepared to spend recklessly. Their interest in Rodrygo hinges entirely on one condition — that Real Madrid agree to a loan deal. Any other scenario, and the Reds will walk away.

Rodrygo’s journey in Madrid has been one of highs, lows, and, most recently, uncertainty. When he arrived from Santos in 2019 for €45 million (£37.9m), excitement around the Brazilian winger was immense. A teenager blessed with explosive pace, dazzling dribbles, and a knack for scoring crucial goals, he looked set to become a key part of Real Madrid’s next decade. For a time, he lived up to that promise, becoming a regular starter, scoring in major matches, and winning over the fans with his creativity and work ethic. Yet, as is often the case in football, circumstances can shift abruptly.

Everything changed last summer when Real Madrid completed the sensational signing of Kylian Mbappé. Alongside Vinicius Jr., Mbappé’s arrival pushed Rodrygo further down the pecking order. While his talent remained unquestioned, opportunities became limited in a squad brimming with star players, and the Brazilian found himself fighting for minutes more fiercely than ever.

The tension reached a peak in May. Ahead of a pivotal El Clásico clash against Barcelona, reports claimed Rodrygo had told the club he no longer wanted to play for them. The news sent shockwaves through the fanbase. To compound matters, manager Carlo Ancelotti excluded him from the squad for the match. From that point onward, Rodrygo’s season seemed to crumble.

The summer brought a fresh start under Xabi Alonso, the new Real Madrid head coach. Many assumed this could be the opportunity Rodrygo needed to regain his status. However, after featuring in Madrid’s opening match at the Club World Cup, he only played 27 more minutes for the remainder of the competition. Alonso’s explanation was pragmatic — football decisions are made game by game, and in those contests, he felt other options were preferable. No promises, no guarantees about Rodrygo’s long-term role.

For a player who has contributed 68 goals and 51 assists in 270 appearances for Real Madrid, the situation is undeniably frustrating. Now in the prime of his career, Rodrygo is desperate for consistent playing time, which makes Liverpool’s interest logical. Klopp is building a team that combines versatility, creativity, and hunger — qualities that align perfectly with Rodrygo’s attributes. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability could complement Liverpool’s front three seamlessly.

The main obstacle is financial. Real Madrid reportedly value Rodrygo at €90 million (£77m), a significant sum considering Liverpool have already invested heavily this summer. Adding his high wages into the mix could disrupt the club’s salary structure, which is why the Reds have cooled their pursuit — at least for now. Their renewed interest comes with a strict stipulation: a loan deal is the only acceptable path forward.

Such a loan would give Liverpool a chance to boost their attack without committing vast funds immediately, while also providing Rodrygo the platform to showcase his talent regularly before determining his long-term future. Similar moves in the past have sometimes led to permanent transfers if the player impresses — though nothing is guaranteed. Real Madrid may prefer to sell outright to fund other acquisitions, or they might keep him as part of their rotation depending on Alonso’s vision.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are not limiting themselves to one option. Reports suggest the club may also explore other attacking targets if the loan deal fails to materialize. But the Reds are acutely aware of timing; the Premier League campaign kicks off soon, and securing a high-calibre player like Rodrygo before the window closes could make a significant difference.

Behind the scenes, agents, directors, and intermediaries are working tirelessly. Real Madrid’s stance will be decisive. If they consent to a loan with an option to buy, Liverpool could secure one of Europe’s most talented young forwards for the season. If they refuse, Rodrygo will have to either fight for his spot at Madrid or seek another exit, while Liverpool recalibrate their plans.

Fans on both sides are paying close attention. Madrid supporters are divided — some believe he should remain to contribute when called upon, while others argue the club should cash in. Liverpool fans, meanwhile, are imagining the Brazilian joining Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah, forming a front line capable of devastating any defence.

Alonso’s comments after the Club World Cup — particularly about “needing another player” and “no decisions on the future” — have only intensified speculation. In football, an open door is all it takes to ignite the transfer machine.

For now, everything hangs in uncertainty. Rodrygo trains, Liverpool plan, Madrid deliberate. The transfer saga combines talent, ambition, financial considerations, and timing, all under a ticking clock. By the time Liverpool take to Anfield in their opening fixture, the story could have taken multiple turns — Rodrygo on the bench for Madrid, flying to Liverpool, or still trapped in indecision.

One certainty remains: if Liverpool secure Rodrygo, even on loan, it will be a statement. Klopp would demonstrate his ability to attract world-class talent in a complex scenario, and Rodrygo would gain the stage to remind Europe why he was once among the most promising forwards of his generation.

Until then, the saga continues — a tale of ambition, opportunity, and the high stakes of football’