Report: Real Madrid star expecting bids from Arsenal and Liverpool in January | OneFootball

Rodrygo’s Future Opens Up A New Market For Liverpool And Arsenal

Changing Roles In Madrid’s Attack

The suggestion from CaughtOffside that “Rodrygo could be on the exit door at Real Madrid this January and Liverpool and Arsenal are preparing their bids” feels like a line that signals a shifting moment in the European market. Real Madrid’s evolution under Xabi Alonso has left the Brazilian winger searching for minutes, and the article underlines the scale of that struggle. As the piece states: “Rodrygo has only played 330 minutes in La Liga this season.” For a player once seen as a cornerstone of Madrid’s future, that statistic feels revealing.

Madrid have moved into a new attacking era, one shaped by the gravitational pull of Kylian Mbappé and the enduring brilliance of Vinícius Jr. The report notes that “Real appear ready to listen to serious offers” and that they would consider bids in the region of €85-90 million. In modern market terms, that valuation sits somewhere between necessity and opportunity, a number that hints at Madrid’s willingness to reshape their squad while the depth out wide remains vast.

Liverpool’s Long Range Planning

The CaughtOffside piece makes it clear that Liverpool are now positioning themselves for the post Mohamed Salah period. It states that Rodrygo is seen as “a high-class option to refresh their frontline” and that his pace and versatility line up with the direction Arne Slot has been taking the team in recent months. Sources quoted in the article describe a player who could become central to that next cycle, someone who can operate across the forward line rather than pinning himself to one touchline.

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His profile suits a rebuilding attack, and the sense from the industry insiders referenced is that Liverpool believe they would be buying not just talent but timing. As one source put it, “If he leaves Madrid now, he becomes the star somewhere else rather than the squad player.”

Arsenal’s Strategic Interest

Arsenal’s pursuit feels more like the search for added depth. CaughtOffside outline that “Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are seeking added depth and quality out wide” and they remain prepared to match the price if Rodrygo signals his willingness to move. For Arteta, competing on several fronts means finding players capable of offering immediate contributions. Rodrygo has long been admired for his direct running and decision making in tight areas, traits that would align well with Arsenal’s structured attacking patterns.

Decision Point For Rodrygo

The piece describes the upcoming window as “career-defining” for the 24 year old. A move to England typically accelerates a player’s exposure, and the Premier League offers something Madrid cannot currently give him, guaranteed minutes in a starring role. CaughtOffside conclude that “January 2026 stands out as a likely turning point in his story”, a line that captures the crossroads he now approaches.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this report will stir plenty of excitement. Rodrygo is not simply a rumour name, he is someone whose skill set mirrors the type of winger Liverpool traditionally elevate. A fast, intelligent wide forward who can drift inside, combine, press with intensity and finish from various angles is exactly the profile Liverpool have leaned on during their best seasons. There is already a sense among supporters that planning for life after Mohamed Salah must start now and Rodrygo offers both star power and long term growth.

The price tag of €85-90 million will always draw scrutiny, yet Liverpool fans will remember that similar investments in Alisson & Van Dijk were framed by outside voices as steep at the time. If Liverpool truly believe Rodrygo fits the next phase, supporters will back the move. There is also the appeal of adding a Champions League seasoned player entering his prime rather than betting on a raw prospect.

The question supporters will ask is how he fits the new tactical approach. Arne Slot’s front line rotates fluidly and Rodrygo has always looked sharpest when given licence to move into pockets rather than hugging the touchline. 

There is, however, a lingering curiosity about whether Madrid really allow a player of this calibre to leave so easily. Liverpool fans have seen this film before with players like Michael Owen, Xabi Alonso, Ángel Di María and Mesut Özil. When Madrid open the door, there is usually a strategic reason. Even so, it would be difficult for fans to turn down the idea of Rodrygo arriving at Anfield, especially if the Salah succession plan needs accelerating.