There will be changes at Real Madrid, ahead of the 2024/25 season. Already this summer, Endrick and Kylian Mbappe have been announced as new signings. Therefore, it is understandable that the fans feel excitement, whereas the current crop of players who led Real Madrid to a treble last season may feel an undertone of anxiety. After all, they would not like their positions to be under threat.
However, throwing a world-class spanner into the mix of Kylian Mbappe and a player who brings with him plenty of aura and excitement, Endrick, is bound to raise a few eyebrows in the Madrid lineup.
Indeed, there is one player at Real Madrid who is not prepared to lose his spot in the starting lineup. So much so, the player has issued an ultimatum to Carlo Ancelotti...
17-goal Real Madrid star issues transfer ultimatum to Carlo Ancelotti
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, there is growing concern among the Rodrygo camp of representatives about his place in the Real Madrid squad. While he is currently representing Brazil at Copa America, Rodrygo is aware of his looming situation at Real Madrid and he would not like to lose out on his place in the starting lineup.
The report states that Rodrygo could consider a move away if he loses his place in the starting lineup next season. There is seemingly interest from Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool, so he would not be short of options.
It is tough for Carlo Ancelotti to commit to any promises at this stage. After all, it will all depend on form and availability after the international tournaments this summer. The worst thing Ancelotti could do is commit to a team right now that he regrets come the start of the season.
Rodrygo is a top quality player and he is one of the best in the world in his position. In usual circumstances, he would be a sure starter, however, the signing of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick does make life more difficult, admittedly.
Looking at it from a "glass half full" perspective, now that Joselu has left the club, the centre forward role is available to fill, so Kylian Mbappe could certainly play here, opening up the two wing positions. However, it all depends on how the impossible-to-predict Carlo Ancelotti brain is predicting.
Either way, Real Madrid should aim to please Rodrygo, who is proven in La Liga. Across all competitions last season, Rodrygo scored 17 goals.
What would be your Real Madrid lineup next season?