Real Madrid Ready to Offer Rodrygo in Stunning Swap Deal with Liverpool — Xabi Alonso ‘Delighted’ by Prospect
Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to make a sensational offer involving Brazilian winger Rodrygo in a swap deal with Liverpool, according to reports from Spain. New Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is said to be “delighted” by the idea of reuniting with Florian Wirtz, one of his former stars at Bayer Leverkusen.
Rodrygo, who joined Madrid from Santos for £39 million in 2019, has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at the Bernabéu, lifting three La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns. However, the 24-year-old has found game time harder to come by under Alonso, leading to growing speculation about his future.
During the summer, both Arsenal and Chelsea were linked with the Brazilian forward, while Liverpool were also said to be monitoring his situation closely. Spanish outlet AS reported that the Reds were “keeping tabs” on Rodrygo but eventually shifted focus to other targets — including Florian Wirtz, who completed a blockbuster £116 million move from Leverkusen to Anfield.
Interestingly, Madrid had also been tracking Wirtz for months before backing out of negotiations due to Bayer Leverkusen’s high asking price, according to Defensa Central. Now, with Wirtz reportedly struggling to adapt to life in the Premier League, Alonso sees a potential opening.
🚨 Transfer Rumor Alert:
Sources in Spain claim Real Madrid are considering an audacious swap deal — Rodrygo for Wirtz — with Alonso eager to bring the German midfielder to the Bernabéu.
“Xabi Alonso would be delighted to have him,” the report says. “Real Madrid are following his progress closely, aware that he could be a key long-term addition to their midfield.”
However, such a move appears unlikely in the short term. Liverpool are said to view Wirtz as a central piece in their rebuild and are not prepared to part ways with him so soon — even with Madrid’s interest in Rodrygo.
Rodrygo’s Past Links to Liverpool
Before his move to Madrid, Rodrygo came close to joining Liverpool in 2017 for just £2.5 million, but ultimately decided to remain in Brazil.
“We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to,” Rodrygo revealed in 2024. “The offer was good, but I wanted to stay at Santos and fulfill my dream there first.”
Despite turning the Reds down, Rodrygo has spoken glowingly about Liverpool and the Anfield atmosphere. Ahead of a Champions League clash in 2023, he said:
“Playing at Anfield is always tough — with or without fans. It’s one of the hardest places in football.”
For now, a Rodrygo–Wirtz swap remains more fantasy than reality, but the mutual admiration between the two clubs — and between Alonso and his former player — could keep this story alive heading into the next transfer window.
