Exclusive: Liverpool interested Real Madrid's Rodrygo.

LIVERPOOL FC REAL MADRID

Luis Diaz contract talks stalled, Liverpool's summer plans have been revitalized as the club aim to land Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

In the summer of 2022, Liverpool's sporting director, Michael Edwards, decided to leave his role. Rumors circled of a potential falling out amongst his staff over disagreements on power sharing, which saw Julian Ward take over as acting sporting director. Ward worked under Edwards in recruitment; they were both friends but had a driving passion for uncovering hidden gems in the world of football. Michael Edwards secured a position of power in 2017, which led to the now Premier League champions agreeing to a fee with Brazilian giant Santos over a deal for Rodrygo. Fast forward 8 years; both Edwards & Ward left Liverpool and have since rejoined. Now looking to secure a deal for Rodrygo once more.

Liverpool have a long-standing interest in Rodrygo that goes back further than 2017, when they had previously agreed to a deal with Santos for the 16-year-old. Since Edwards returned to Liverpool in March 2024, he has brought back his companion Julian Ward alongside an old co-worker of his in Richard Hughes. The three took the reins and have since signed Giorgi Mamardashvili & Federico Chiesa while tying down both Mohamed Salah & Virgil van Dijk. Although it was seen that the interim sporting director of last summer, Jörg Schmadtke, signed Alexis Mac Allister, it was Julian Ward who ignited the interest and built the file of the Argentinian, who has gone on to play a vital role in Liverpool winning both the Carabao Cup and their 20th Premier League title. Real Madrid are similar to Liverpool in ways of how they conduct their transfer business; they build files whilst getting to know the player and his entourage on both a personal and business level. I.e., trajectory of career, value to the club, etc.

 JamesWilliam previously reported in January that Alexis Mac Allister attracted interest from multiple clubs in Spain, with one of the standouts being Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have built a file on Alexis; however, there has been no indication of any potential meetings between the clubs. Rumors of Real Madrid being open to a potential swap deal that would involve Mac Allister are true; however, Alexis enjoys his life at Liverpool and has no intentions of leaving the club at all. The 26-year-old dreams of one day becoming captain for LFC and marching the squad on to expand both his and the club's trophy collection, with the Argentinian having joined in the summer of 2023 and already collecting two cups in his stay. All indications point towards Anfield officials opening talks with Alexis midway through the 25/26 season to extend his stay on Merseyside.