Real Madrid shot down Bayern Munich approach for forward in the summer | OneFootball

Speculation about Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid was a running theme throughout the transfer window.

While the player’s entourage consistently maintained his desire to remain at the club, he was linked with sides seeking his profile for two main reasons.

First, his unusual end to last season under Carlo Ancelotti, in which he was absent during the final two months of competition. Second, his continuing struggle to secure an undisputed starting role, something he has never fully achieved at the club.

Clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City were heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old Brazilian. But it appears that another European giant explored the possibility of signing Rodrygo.

Bayern Munich made an approach for Rodrygo

Indeed, according to MARCA, Bayern Munich acted discreetly, tasking a trusted intermediary and agent to approach Real Madrid and gauge the club’s position on Rodrygo.

Discussions even reached the subject of money. However, Los Blancos made their stance clear: at no point did they show real interest in selling Rodrygo. The player, for his part, also showed no intention of leaving.

The failure of the attempt was due less to finances and more to Real Madrid’s conviction that Rodrygo remains an important asset. Because of this, negotiations never progressed between the two clubs.

Limited role under Xabi Alonso

Despite the club’s faith in him and the player’s decision to stay, Rodrygo has found minutes hard to come by under Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo has not played much this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The manager agreed to grant the Brazilian’s wish to play on the left wing, effectively creating a positional rivalry with Vinicius Jr, who himself has struggled to make an impact.

So far this season, Rodrygo has started only one of seven La Liga matches, totalling up to 122 minutes, plus starting in the UEFA Champions League fixture against Marseille.

Alonso has repeatedly stated that he counts on the Brazilian, but his actions have not always made that evident.

Against Atletico, Eduardo Camavinga and Franco Mastantuono were introduced before Rodrygo, even though Real Madrid were already chasing the game at the start of the second half.

Alonso maintains that competition will benefit the team, but it is unclear how well Rodrygo will accept sporadic starts, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming on the horizon.