Real Madrid's Rodrygo Eyes Four Potential Transfer Destinations
Rodrygo remains the focal point of transfer rumors as Europe's elite clubs compete intensely for his services during this summer window.
After Real Madrid's disappointing 2024–25 season, Rodrygo has become one of the key players potentially departing from the world's most prestigious club, alongside Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez. The Brazilian winger failed to deliver consistent performances during Carlo Ancelotti's last season as manager, managing only a single goal across his final 22 matches before the Club World Cup.
Xabi Alonso's appointment hasn't sparked a revival in the winger's fortunes; Rodrygo has earned just one starting position in the United States and accumulated merely four minutes during the Club World Cup's elimination rounds. With every match that passes, the two-time Champions League champion appears increasingly likely to seek a departure.
Here are four possible destinations if Rodrygo decides to leave Real Madrid this summer.
4. Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain continue to celebrate their historic first Champions League triumph. Luis Enrique's squad boasts some of the world's finest attacking talents, including Ballon d'Or candidate Ousmane Dembélé and emerging 20-year-old star Désiré Doué.
With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia occupying the left flank, one might assume the Parisians have their attacking positions sorted. However, PSG rarely shy away from pursuing marquee signings, and they've reportedly entered the race for Rodrygo's signature.
Among all clubs connected to the Real Madrid forward, PSG appears to be the most unlikely landing spot for Rodrygo. Nevertheless, Kvaratskhelia managed only eight goals during his inaugural campaign in the French capital, while Rodrygo netted 14 times in what many consider his most challenging season at Los Blancos recently.
Even though a rejuvenated Rodrygo might represent an improvement over Kvaratskhelia, such an upgrade may not be essential for PSG; they dominated the sport last season for good reason.
3. Manchester City
Manchester City have invested heavily this summer, bringing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Marcus Bettinelli into Pep Guardiola's squad. While adding Rodrygo to this list seemed unrealistic weeks ago, recent reports suggest the Premier League powerhouse is actively pursuing the 24-year-old.
Rodrygo is familiar with Manchester City through Real Madrid's European encounters with the English side. The winger was instrumental in Los Blancos' victories over Guardiola's team during their 2022 and 2024 Champions League campaigns.
Theoretically, it's clear why one of Europe's premier teams would desire a player of Rodrygo's quality. However, Manchester City already possess numerous wing options, including new acquisition Cherki, Jérémy Doku, Savinho, Claudio Echeverri, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Omar Marmoush.
Rodrygo must weigh whether he's willing to compete for playing time or prefer joining a club where a starting role awaits him.
2. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich require an improvement on the left flank to mount a serious Champions League challenge next season. Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman have disappointed recently, particularly in crucial European encounters.
While Harry Kane and Michael Olise can shoulder much of the attacking burden for Vincent Kompany's team, they alone won't be sufficient to overcome teams like PSG, Barcelona or Liverpool next season. Jamal Musiala's extended ankle injury compounds their need for additional attacking creativity.
Beyond his creative abilities and adaptability, Rodrygo would contribute valuable experience to the German club. The 24-year-old has excelled for Real Madrid in high-stakes matches across all competitions, capturing his first Champions League trophy at merely 21 years old.
Given the opportunity to showcase his finest football, Rodrygo could provide the crucial element Bayern Munich needs to achieve European success for the first time since 2020.
1. Arsenal
Among all interested European clubs, Arsenal currently leads the pursuit of Rodrygo. The Gunners have maintained links with the Brazilian since last season's conclusion and would represent an ideal match for the Real Madrid winger.
Arsenal's attacking deficiencies were evident throughout their 2024–25 campaign. Mikel Arteta's side managed only 69 league goals last season, 17 fewer than Premier League winners Liverpool and three less than third-placed Manchester City. Natural midfielder Mikel Merino frequently led the attack during the season's latter stages while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard alternately struggled on the left wing.
A talent like Rodrygo joining Bukayo Saka and potential new addition Viktor Gyökeres would create one of the English top-flight's most dangerous attacking units. This would also enable the Real Madrid outcast to operate in his favored position after years of being deployed on the right.
Following three consecutive seasons as Premier League runners-up, Arsenal requires an exceptional left winger to finally claim England's championship.