Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid in doubt

The Brazilian forward, who is currently playing in the Copa América, doubts that Mbappé will always play as a ‘9’ and fears that he will not have a place in the starting line-up.

Rodrygo Goes is playing in the Copa América with Brazil, but although he is trying to isolate himself from everything that is not the ‘canarinha’ at the moment, there is movement in his entourage because neither the player nor those around him are clear that he can maintain his status as a starter at Real Madrid after the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

Last season was already not easy for the forward, overshadowed by Vinicius and Bellingham in terms of goalscoring. He scored 17 goals, 2 less than in 2022/2023, but above all there was the feeling that he is no longer considered as important.

Even so, Real Madrid are trying to convey a message of confidence to him, but neither the player nor his entourage are convinced. One of the arguments put forward by the Whites is that Joselu’s departure to Qatar will make it easier for Mbappé to play as a ‘9’, which would leave one of the wings free for Rodrygo.

We shall see, because at Paris Saint-Germain Kylian Mbappé showed his preference to start from the wing, in this case the left, and from there take advantage of his great speed, crossing and finishing moves.

Rodrygo’s doubts, who has a contract until 2028, about his playing time next season seem more than reasonable. And even more so if we take into account that Carlo Ancelotti will have to ‘juggle’ with the rise of Arda Güler, who will demand more prominence in his second season, without forgetting that Brahim Díaz will also be more demanding.

In view of this panorama, Rodrygo cannot help but take a look at the Premier League, where the Brazilian is well-regarded and there are several teams after him. First there was talk of Liverpool, then Manchester City, and he has also been linked with Newcastle and Arsenal.

In the case of the ‘Gunners’, there is no rush on the part of the London club, who will wait patiently for the player or Real Madrid to make a move. They are aware that the Brazilian could be the one to force his way out, or even that the Whites could want to get rid of a foreseeable problem with the player.

We will have to see what happens, but from the player’s entourage there is nervousness and a willingness to ‘move’ the player in case he loses prominence at Real Madrid.

At the moment, the Copa América is not being a balm for Rodrygo either, as Brazil have not started well. The Real Madrid player assisted Marquinhos for a goal that was disallowed for offside… and little else.