Xabi Alonso Backs Rodrygo for Comeback Amid Exit Speculation

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso says he is “sure Rodrygo can return to his best form” as he issued a public show of support for the Brazil international during an uncertain period in his career.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Rodrygo‘s future at Santiago Bernabeu has been thrown into doubt in recent weeks. Despite being tied to a contract through to 2028, it has been widely reported that Madrid will listen to offers for the 24-year-old this summer.

Arsenal and Manchester City are reportedly among the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Rodrygo, while Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest. His status as a starter at Madrid has been compromised by Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the club, with Athletic also boasting a “BMV” trio of Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Alonso’s passionate defence of Rodrygo comes amid such uncertainty. He has insisted the winger “can’t be harmed” by media scrutiny, and that he can still play an important role in his team.

“He is fine. I have no doubts about Rodrygo. I am sure Rodrygo can return to his best form,” the Madrid manager told a press conference when asked about his stance on Rodrygo’s situation. “He has an imagination, an individual talent, a lot of creativity and a finishing ability. He is a top player, a top player. He can’t be harmed by what is said and we, as a club, have to take care of him”.

RODRYGO’S SEASON AND REAL MADRID’S SITUATION

Rodrygo ended the 2024-25 campaign with a run of below-par performances, with his influence waning after Mbappe’s arrival. His contributions in the first half of the schedule helped Madrid compete for trophies on multiple fronts, but he was not able to maintain consistency amid growing speculation over his future.

However, Madrid went on to go trophyless the whole season as they lost all internal competitions to Barcelona and being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in the quarter-finals. Madrid’s star-studded squad also boasts the likes of Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, who have overshadowed Rodrygo despite his proven track record.

A previous report confirmed that Real Madrid secured La Liga under coach Xabi Alonso.

The former Santos star endured an underwhelming second half of the term, with Alonso unable to guarantee him a regular spot in Athletic’s attack. Still, he should be proud of hitting double figures again, having recorded 17 goals and provided 8 assists in all competitions during the 2024/25 season.

A previous report noted Rodrygo scored 17 goals and provided 8 assists in all competitions during the season.

WHAT NEXT FOR RODRYGO AND REAL MADRID?

Madrid are already being linked with a host of potential replacements for Rodrygo, with the winter setup opening the door for other senior attacking players. Los Blancos reportedly aren’t willing to take a financial hit with him, though, as they value him at around €125million (£106m) as of now.

Rodrygo’s next move could be closely tied to his ambitions at international level too. He was omitted from Brazil’s squad for the 2024 Copa America after a poor end to the club season, and he is in desperate need of regular minutes to regain his place in Fernando Diniz’s plans.

A previous report indicated Rodrygo struggled at the end of last season, affecting his confidence, which likely contributed to his omission.

Madrid won’t stand in Rodrygo’s way if a tempting offer is received, but it remains to be seen whether any of his suitors will meet the Santiago Bernabeu Havert’s asking price. For now, his sole focus will be on helping Alonso’s team in their bid to retain the Spanish title.