Real Madrid and Brazil superstar, Rodrygo, has recently opened up about his decision to turn down a lucrative €3m transfer offer from Liverpool back in 2017. This revelation comes amidst ongoing speculation about the player's future at Real Madrid and potential interest from Liverpool.
Rodrygo was just 16 years old when he received what he describes as a 'very good' offer from the Reds. Despite this tempting proposition, the young Brazilian chose not to make the move to Anfield. Instead, he signed his first professional contract with Santos later that year and made his senior debut for the Brazilian club.
Rodrygo has made his Real Madrid move count
The reasons behind Rodrygo's decision remain personal; however, it is clear that his career trajectory has been anything but hindered by this early choice.
Rodrygo, Real Madrid forward, 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. 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.”
After making 80 appearances with Santos over three years and scoring 17 goals, Rodrygo moved on to Real Madrid in a whopping €45m deal in June 2018. While at Bernabeu, he earned a number of impressive achievements, including: scoring 52 goals, recording 40 assists from 207 appearances over five seasons and winning titles such as La Liga, Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup, and European Super Cup.
In addition to these accomplishments, Rodrygo played an instrumental role in helping Real Madrid clinch the Champions League title against none other than Liverpool in 2022.
Rodrygo expected to remain key figure despite Mbappe’s arrival
Despite recent rumors linking Kylian Mbappe with a move to Real Madrid this summer and consequent speculations about Rodrygo's future at Bernabeu, the Brazilian star insists on staying put.
Simultaneously though there have been whispers about Liverpool's interest in Rodrygo, especially given the uncertain future of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz at Anfield. While these rumors are yet to be substantiated, it is worth noting that Liverpool has shown interest in signing Rodrygo before.
Rodrygo's decision to turn down Liverpool's offer back in 2017 seems to have paid off well for him. His career has flourished at Real Madrid, and he has no regrets about his choice. However, with the ever-changing dynamics of football transfers and the potential availability of the 23-year-old superstar, only time will tell if Liverpool will reignite their previous interest. For now though, a bargain €3m deal for Rodrygo remains a thing of the past.
