Rodrygo revealed why he turned down Liverpool in first place as new update emerges

Rodrygo revealed why he turned down Liverpool in first place as new update emerges

Liverpool's rivals have reportedly withdrawn from pursuing transfer target Rodrygo, handing the Reds a chance to sign Real Madrid's Brazilian star at the second time of asking

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Rodrygo (Image: Getty)

Liverpool transfer target Rodrygo has already revealed why he turned the club down in the past. The Reds have reportedly reignited their interest in the Real Madrid forward this summer, having now received a potential boost.

‌

Despite already splurging around £300m on fresh talent this summer, Arne Slot could move to reinforce Liverpool’s left flank following the departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. And Madrid sensation Rodrygo is a name that has repeatedly been linked with a move to Anfield in recent months.

‌

That’s due to the Brazilian’s rumoured frustrations last season, where, despite making 50 appearances, he found his importance to the team diminished by Kylian Mbappe’s signing. Question marks over his future were exacerbated by the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager this summer, with his limited involvement during the team's Club World Cup campaign suggesting he was not at the forefront of the Spaniard’s plans.

‌

Real Madrid issue emphatic Rodrygo statement after Arsenal transfer swap offer READ MORE:

The Guardian recently claimed Liverpool, along with their rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, remain 'attentive' to the situation, prepared to swoop in if tensions heighten further over the summer.

And a new update by Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague states City have now ended their pursuit of Rodrygo due to Savinho staying put, which provides Liverpool with an additional boost if they hope to land the 24-year-old.

It would not be the first time Liverpool have looked to secure his signature. In 2017, before Rodrygo’s transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu a year later, then-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp tried his utmost to bring the winger to Anfield. According to the forward’s agent, Klopp even got on a flight to meet the teenage wonderkid personally.

Article continues below

But Rodrygo opted to remain with his boyhood club, Santos, and break through into the first team, which he was able to do the following year. Later explaining his failed move, Rodrygo said: "We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good.

"The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football. It had always been my dream to play in Europe.

Jurgen Klopp personally met Rodrygo to try and convince him to join Liverpool (Image: 2021 Getty Images)

‌

"Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true, I almost went to Liverpool."

Rodrygo’s agent, Nick Arcuri, told Canal do Nicola in 2020: "When Rodrygo went to sign his first professional contract with Santos, aged 16, a Liverpool director called me saying that Klopp already knew the player, had seen the material, had already come to see Rodrygo personally.

"He had gone on YouTube, searched 'talents from Brazil’. Rodrygo had appeared and he was very young. He (Klopp) came to Brazil, and liked him.

‌

"They contacted me, the Liverpool director wanted him to be his first signing, Rodrygo. I went to England, sat in London, Liverpool have an office in London. I brought the proposal to Modesto [Roma Junior], then president of Santos. Modesto didn’t accept.

"It turned out that Santos didn’t want to sell Rodrygo and instead made the first professional contract. But it was Rodrygo’s first official proposal, he was 16 and it was Liverpool.”

Arsenal have also been linked with the Real Madrid forward (Image: Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

‌

Liverpool will need to shell out to sign Rodrygo now, with the Brazil international under contract until 2028. His fee may be pushed even higher by competition from other clubs such as Premier League rivals Arsenal, whose need for a world class left winger – Rodrygo's preferred position – is well known.

While Los Blancos in recent weeks have appeared content to keep Rodrygo, their interest in Arsenal defender William Saliba is said to have seen them make a sensational swap deal offer. The Gunners are keen to add a winger and Marca claim Real tried to tempt them into a move, having previously weighed up signing Saliba next summer or for free in 2027.

However, that offer was immediately rejected by the Gunners. It is understood that the defender remains happy in London and isn’t considering a move at the current time.

Article continues below

For the time being, Rodrygo – who was valued at £86m earlier in the summer – remains at Alonso's disposal with the club's La Liga season set to get underway against Osasuna on Tuesday evening.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article