Xabi Alonso breaks silence on Real Madrid star's absence from PSG clash
Real Madrid suffered a 4-0 thrashing against PSG in the semifinals of the Club World Cup on Wednesday at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
It was a dominant performance from the Parisians as they took control of the game right from the start.
For the fifth consecutive match, Rodrygo Goes didn't earn a start for Real Madrid.
This only intensifies the rumours surrounding the Brazilian's future, as clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea are interested in him.
"I didn’t play Rodrygo for a technical decision," Alonso told reporters in the mixed zone after the match. "We thought we would be better off with other players. It’s not about his future."
Rodrygo started the first game against Al Hilal and also provided an assist to Gonzalo Garcia before being substituted in the second half.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
He was an unused substitute in the second game against Pachuca before he featured as a second-half substitute against RB Salzburg.
The Brazilian sat out in the round of 16 clash against Juventus and got only four minutes against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals.
Where could Rodrygo end up this summer?
Rodrygo began his professional career with Santos. He considered moving to several clubs in Europe before signing a pre-contract with Real Madrid in 2018.
He has grown leaps and bounds since his move to the Spanish capital, registering 270 appearances for Los Blancos and netting 68 goals.
The 24-year-old finished the 2024/25 campaign with 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
Overall, his best moment would be his two late goals against Manchester City in the 2022 UCL semifinal second leg to send the match into extra time.
Real Madrid eventually won that game and also went on to lift the Champions League title, beating Liverpool in the final.
It feels like Rodrygo's time is up at Real Madrid, and Liverpool could be a viable destination for him.
The Reds are looking to sell Luis Diaz and could replace the Colombian with the 24-year-old.
On the other hand, Arsenal were also in the race for the Brazilian, but recently they have been linked with Chelsea's Noni Madueke.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr are also interested in the 24-year-old, but a deal looks unlikely.
Los Blancos have slapped a €90 million ($105 million) asking price for the star attacker.