Real Madrid are heavily active in the summer transfer market and are making no adjustments, no compromises.
The failure of last season has made them realize that this team is far from complete and needs a number of reinforcements, with several key positions yet to be filled.
At the same time, there are certain players who are no longer at the level they once were and must be let go. Rodrygo is one such name, and his situation is only getting worse.
The Brazilian has been so out of form since the beginning of 2025 that the right flank under him looks virtually non-existent.
It has become increasingly clear that Arda Guler is the preferred option ahead of him, perhaps even Brahim Diaz.
And with the signing of Franco Mastantuono, who also plays predominantly on the right wing, the competition for Rodrygo has only intensified. All of this for a position he doesn’t even feel comfortable in.
Worrying Club World Cup stat suggests Rodrygo’s time is up
In the last three games at the Club World Cup, Rodrygo has played just 23 minutes, all of which came against Salzburg in the 67th minute, when the team had already secured a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Rodrygo’s situation is complicated. He wants to play on the left wing, but there is no space for him there. He underperforms on the right. And he is not a striker either.
In practical terms, Rodrygo is no longer a starter for Real Madrid, and both the club and the manager seem to be fully aware of this.
Several players are doing better than him, and I believe it may be time for him to look for a new club where he can get the role and space he desires, because it’s difficult to see that happening at Real Madrid any time soon.
To make matters worse, Rodrygo’s entourage, specifically his father, has reportedly approached the club to express dissatisfaction with his son's situation. This has not gone down well within the club, on multiple levels.
This is a complex scenario, but ironically, it seems to have only one clear solution: a transfer out of Real Madrid.