Rodrygo’s time at Real Madrid may be numbered, and for all the right reasons. He has basically lost the trust of the management, and essentially the manager’s as well.
It is evident that he is no longer the starter he once was, and it is hurting his future as we speak. Ace journalist Fabrizio Romano earlier reported that the player has begun talks with the club over his tumultuous future, and things could really accelerate from there.
In the meanwhile, former Real Madrid player Jesus Vallejo, who has joined Spanish second division club Albacete Balompié, interacted with the media and gave his opinion on the Brazilian’s future, amongst other questions.
The Spanish centre-back recounted how he used to struggle with Rodrygo in training and that the winger was the best in tight spaces. He also said, “If it were up to me, Rodrygo would stay at Real Madrid.”
Rodrygo may stay at Real Madrid, but hardly play the same way
It cannot be emphasized enough that Rodrygo is a beloved star among the fans, and every one of them would like him to stay, but the truth is, it’s only for his own good to leave.
He can stay, the club knows that. His contract extends till 2028, so his future is secure and the club cannot force him out. But the question is: can he play the same way he used to?
Los Blancos and Xabi Alonso have made it clear that he is not the preferred starter on the right, a position he despises, and he wants a switch to the left, which is already overcrowded.
The arrival of Franco Mastantuono will only further complicate the pecking order for Rodrygo. Arda Guler is already a clear choice ahead of him, maybe even Brahim Diaz.
And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with this order. Rodrygo has simply not been good. And not for a short time, for a long while now. He has isolated the right wing so much that it has become almost entirely unproductive under his command, and the team has been suffering because of it.
The best option that remains, despite Vallejo’s words, is a departure away from Madrid.