Madrid Universal

Rodrygo’s role at Real Madrid appears to be diminishing, with the Brazilian no longer commanding the same influence he once had at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The signs of his decline became apparent during the latter stages of the 2024/25 season, and under new manager Xabi Alonso, his situation has worsened.

Once a vital piece of Madrid’s attack, Rodrygo now finds himself drifting towards the fringes of the squad.

In that regard, according to a report from Fichajes, both the club and the player are keeping all options open, including the possibility of a transfer.

Tottenham enter the fray

With the January window approaching, Tottenham Hotspur have entered the frame.

The Premier League side is drawing up a list of potential reinforcements, and Rodrygo has emerged as one of the names under consideration.

Although he is not their top priority, the club view him as a realistic and exciting target should Madrid decide to entertain offers.

As per reports, Tottenham are searching for a quick, versatile, goal-scoring forward who can adapt swiftly to the Premier League’s physical and tactical demands.

Rodrygo’s profile fits perfectly into that mould.

Tottenham are also said to be taking a pragmatic approach to their January plans, focusing on realistic signings rather than unattainable stars.

If Real Madrid open the door, they are prepared to move quickly and make a formal offer.

Committed to Real Madrid

While Rodrygo, who is also wanted by Chelsea, has consistently expressed loyalty and commitment to Real Madrid, he is aware that regular playing time is essential to stay in contention for the Brazilian national team at the FIFA World Cup.

Last summer, the winger attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, though none of those pursuits advanced beyond initial inquiries.

This time, however, Tottenham appear to be in the strongest position to test Madrid’s resolve.

Real Madrid will be desperate to respond after their disappointing Champions League setback against Liverpool as they travel across the Spanish capital to face Rayo Vallecano later today.

The defeat at Anfield has left Xabi Alonso’s men hungry for redemption, and a strong performance at Vallecas could be the perfect way to reassert their domestic dominance.

Despite the European frustration, Los Blancos remain firmly in control of La Liga.

They currently sit at the top of the table with a five-point cushion over Barcelona, and the trip to Rayo presents another opportunity to strengthen their grip on first place.

Their opponents, meanwhile, have had a steady start to the campaign, collecting 14 points from their opening 11 matches.

When it comes to recent meetings, Real Madrid have had mixed fortunes against Rayo.

They narrowly edged a 2-1 win in their last encounter back in March, but overall, they have managed just two victories in their last six games against the same opposition.

That statistic alone will serve as a warning that nothing can be taken for granted.

On that note, let’s take a look at how Real Madrid could lineup today.

Defence

In goal, there is absolutely no debate – Thibaut Courtois will start.

The Belgian international was outstanding against Liverpool, single-handedly preventing the scoreline from becoming embarrassing.

His consistency and leadership make him an automatic choice between the sticks.

In defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold could make a surprise return to the starting XI after featuring as a substitute earlier this week.

At centre-back, Eder Militao is expected to line up alongside Dean Huijsen, as David Alaba, who only recently recovered from a muscle problem, may not be risked from the start.

On the left, Alvaro Carreras should retain his position after a series of strong performances that have impressed the coaching staff.

Midfield

The midfield will see the biggest adjustment following Aurelien Tchouameni’s hamstring injury.

The Frenchman’s absence leaves a void in the pivot role, but Eduardo Camavinga looks poised to step in.

The young Frenchman’s dynamism, ball-carrying ability, and tactical awareness make him a natural fit to anchor the midfield.

With Alexander-Arnold potentially returning to his natural position, Federico Valverde is expected to move back into central midfield, where his energy and work rate are most effective.

Jude Bellingham will continue to dictate play in the final third, while Arda Guler offers creativity and flair on the ball.

Depending on the game’s flow, Alonso could toggle between a diamond 4-4-2 and a fluid 4-3-3 shape.

Attack

Up front, the deadly partnership of Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe is set to take centre stage once again.

Both players will be eager to bounce back after a quiet night at Anfield, and their chemistry could prove decisive against Rayo’s compact defensive line.

Brahim Diaz, who continues to push for more minutes in the absence of Franco Mastantuono, is expected to start in support, adding creativity and balance to the front line.

Meanwhile, Rodrygo might have to settle for a role off the bench once again, offering fresh legs and pace in the latter stages of the match.

Real Madrid could be in line for a surprise windfall as one of their former players, Takefusa Kubo, continues to attract serious interest from the Premier League.

According to a report from Defensa Central, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing a move for the Real Sociedad winger, who has become one of La Liga’s standout performers over the past year.

The Japanese international has a €60 million release clause in his current deal, which runs until 2029.

Despite that long-term contract, his impressive displays have not gone unnoticed, and Tottenham are said to have made Kubo one of their top attacking targets for the next transfer window.

While Spurs have yet to decide whether they will trigger his full release clause, reports suggest that they are ready to submit a proposal close to that figure.

How much will Real Madrid pocket?

Even if Tottenham manage to negotiate a fee slightly below €60 million, Real Madrid would still stand to gain significantly from the deal.

When Los Blancos sold Kubo to Real Sociedad, they cleverly retained 50% of his rights, meaning if the deal goes through, they will pocket around €30 million.

Any future transfer involving Kubo means that half of the proceeds would go straight into Madrid’s coffers.

The Madrid hierarchy reportedly have no intention of re-signing the 24-year-old, as the squad already boasts a wealth of attacking talent.

Yet, the club would certainly welcome the unexpected financial boost, especially if the transfer goes through.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham formalise their pursuit, but if they do, Real Madrid could soon cash in once again on a player they once nurtured, this time without lifting a finger.

The future of Nico Paz has been a subject of much discussion lately, especially amid speculation linking him to a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Premier League giants have reportedly tabled a bid worth €50 million, but the move has been made complicated by Real Madrid’s involvement.

Although Paz is no longer a Real Madrid player, Los Blancos own 50% of the player’s transfer rights, meaning Real Madrid have an option to match any offers that come for the youngster.

Como president on Real Madrid’s involvement

In a recent interview with Corriere Dello Sport, Como president Mirwan Suwarso has openly spoken about Paz’s future and how Real Madrid’s involvement has affected the club’s decision making.

When asked about recent links to Spurs, Suwarso said (h/t Mundo Deportivo), “Transfer rumours about Tottenham? It’s not true that we rejected the offer.”

Suwarso added that no one makes an offer for Paz due to Real Madrid’s involvement in the transfer.

“No one makes offers (for Nico Paz) knowing that we would then have to send them to Real Madrid, who have the right to match them,” he said.

Recent reports suggest Como are in talks with Real Madrid to re-negotiate the terms of the Paz deal as the Italian feel hard done by.

Suwarso added that keeping hold of Nico Paz was not an easy task this summer, especialy as the Argentine was keen on playing for his former club.

Nico Paz was one of the rising stars in Serie A last season thanks to a brilliant campaign that saw him flourish under the leadership of Cesc Fabregas.

Formerly of the Real Madrid academy, Paz’s excellent season meant that his valuation skyrocketed immediately, much to the benefit of Los Blancos.

Real Madrid hold a buyback clause in Paz’s deal which will allow them re-sign the player for less than €10 million – a clause that can be activated within the next two years.

Real Madrid also hold a special clause that will entitle them to half the proceedings to any sale Como make on the young Argentine.

Como and Real Madrid in talks to renegotiate the deal

However, a recent report from The Athletic suggests Como and Real Madrid in talks to re-negotiate the terms of the clauses.

This is hardly surprising as Como, under the current structure, feel hard done by. The Italian outfit have essentially nothing to earn from Paz’s potential sale.

Como are liable to only half the proceedings from Paz’s sale while Real Madrid are also in a position to re-sign the player for less than €10 million.

This is quite unfair considering the fact that Como had played a key role in nurturing Paz and raising his valuation.

Therefore, the two clubs are in talks, with Como representatives recently attending Real Madrid’s league opener against Osasuna.

This comes on the back of recent reports suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur have had a massive €70 million bid rejected by Como for Paz, with Real Madrid playing a key role in it.

A renewed agreement, therefore, favouring Como could be on the horizon as Real Madrid do not wish to lose control of Paz’s future with plans to bring him back to the club next year.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid had a key role in shutting down Tottenham Hotspur’s latest attempt to sign Nico Paz from Como.

The journalist mentions that Spurs put forward a huge €70 million package for the 20-year-old midfielder, but the offer was turned down yesterday.

While Tottenham were serious in their pursuit, Nico made it clear that he wants to remain at Como for now, keeping his long-term sights set firmly on Real Madrid.

Madrid, on their part, were ready to match any offer for Nico to protect their future plans. The club are more than happy to see him continue his development in Serie A, knowing that his return to the Santiago Bernabeu is not far away.

As things stand, his move to Madrid in the summer of 2026 looks very likely.

Tottenham’s gamble rejected

It must be noted that Tottenham turned their attention to Nico after missing out on Eberechi Eze, but their €70m bid was immediately dismissed.

This was not Spurs’ first approach either, as Como had already rejected an earlier attempt.

The Italian side remain keen to hold onto their rising star, while Madrid are monitoring everything closely in the background.

Notably, Real Madrid also have a €10m buy-back clause for 2026, though reports suggest the club are willing to compensate Como further in the future as a sign of respect for his development there.

Nico has already shown he has the quality to perform at the top level, and his time in Serie A is shaping him into a more complete player.

If he maintains this level of growth, Xabi Alonso could have another exciting midfield option waiting for him next season.

For Madrid, the long-term picture is clear – Nico is a player they do not want to lose, no matter the price on the table.

As Real Madrid look to beef up their defensive unit, Piero Hincapie has been one of the names linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

In a Leverkusen team that has witnessed a mass exodus this summer, Hincapie is a strong candidate to become the last player to leave the club, following the footsteps of Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli and Jonathan Tah, among others.

Real Madrid are one of the clubs keeping close tabs on Hincapie, owing to the player’s connection with coach Xabi Alonso.

Hincapie ready to leave Leverkusen

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has offered an update on Hincapie’s future, suggesting that the defender is ready to leave Leverkusen in this final week of the transfer market.

Leverkusen are keen on keeping hold of the Ecuadorian international, knowing they might find it difficult to find a replacement within a week.

However, with Real Madrid, among other clubs, interested in his services, the player could be tempted to take the next leap in his career.

Acquiring the services of the centre-back, though, could prove to be costly, with the defender having a release clause worth €60 million.

While Hincapie is ready to leave Leverkusen if a suitable offer arrives, Real Madrid might find it difficult to fund a €60 million move in a summer where they have already spent €178 million.

Therefore, Real Madrid might not be in a position to make a move for the Bundesliga star unless they can sanction a big money sale this summer.

Rodrygo, for one, has been closely linked with a move away from the Bernabeu and his potential sale could pave the way for Real Madrid to sign a new defender.

However, the Brazilian international has shown no desire to leave the club so far.

Fresh from missing out on top summer target Eberechi Eze, Tottenham Hotspur are desperate to bring in attacking reinforcements in the final days of the transfer window.

The club have recently proposed a loan offer for Real Madrid starlet Rodrygo, although it is unlikely that the Brazilian international would want to join the Lilywhites.

In light of their recent failures in the market, Spurs are now targeting a move for former Real Madrid player Nico Paz.

Tottenham want to sign Paz

This is according to the Telegraph, which suggests that Spurs are eyeing a move for Paz as an alternative to the club’s main target Maghnes Akliouche.

Paz was one of Serie A’s rising star last season as he impressed onlookers with his creativity in the final third.

Spurs’ interest in Paz is quite interesting for Real Madrid’s perspective as the club still retain control of the player’s future.

Indeed, Los Blancos hold a buyback clause in the Argentine starlet and have the opportunity to bring back the youngster in less than €10 million.

If Spurs do approach the player this summer, Real Madrid will have the option to bring him back and then perhaps sell him immediately for a quick profit.

The Spanish giants, though, would idelly want to see Paz remain at Como next season so that the youngster can continue his rapid progress under Cesc Fabregas.

Another impressive season in Serie A, after all, could go a long way in skyrocketing Paz’s valuation, thus making it all the more lucrative for Real Madrid to cash in on the player.

Alternatively, Real Madrid can always bring back Paz and make him a part of the first-team, especially if Rodrygo does end up leaving the club this summer.

The past 12-24 hours have seen some dramatic action in the Premier League transfer market involving two of the traditional ‘Big Six’ clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur appeared poised to sign Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze for a fee of around €60 million.

However, following an injury blow to Kai Havertz, Spurs’ bitter rivals Arsenal moved decisively for the winger and now appear primed to secure his signing from Palace, with the deal likely to be made official on Friday.

Tottenham to move for Savinho, leading to Man City raid for Rodrygo

As such, GloboEsporte (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Tottenham’s response to this has been to increase their offer for Manchester City winger Savinho.

The north London club are putting €80 million on the table to sign the Brazilian winger, a player Pep Guardiola has stated he wants to keep.

If the move were to happen, Manchester City would not stand still. They would immediately turn their focus to Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes.

The 24-year-old finds himself in a complicated situation at the Santiago Bernabeu but is highly admired by Guardiola.

The move appeared to have stalled with Savinho’s exit blocked, but with the young winger now back on Tottenham’s agenda, it could prompt Manchester City revisit their interest in Rodrygo.

The Brazilian international did not play even a single minute in Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna on Tuesday. Unless the situation improves, an exit could be on the horizon before the transfer window closes.

Real Madrid are beginning to weigh up the possibility of selling Vinicius Jr. in 2026, according to reports from SPORT.

The Brazilian forward’s contract renewal talks have stalled, creating a tense standoff between the player and club president Florentino Pérez.

Vinicius is asking for a significant pay rise in his new deal, but Real Madrid are refusing to meet his demands.

For now, Florentino Perez has tabled a counteroffer, yet the 24-year-old is unwilling to compromise.

His current contract runs until 2027, and his plan is to serve the two years left before leaving as a free agent to whichever club meets his salary expectations.

This development has frustrated Madrid’s hierarchy, who feel misled after previously believing an agreement had been reached.

The club had even leaked news of a supposed renewal, only for talks to collapse shortly after. Perez is now seriously considering a transfer for the winger as early as next summer if the situation does not improve.

What is Real Madrid’s plan then?

Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Vinicius is indirectly opening doors for his teammate Rodrygo. Both Brazilians favour the left wing, yet Vinicius has always been the first-choice option.

Should Real Madrid move Vinicius on, Rodrygo would finally get the continuity and opportunities he has long been seeking.

Vinicius’ situation is proving more complicated than expected. He is now in his eighth season at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the club having stood by him through injuries, poor form, and heated controversies with opponents, referees, and even fans.

However, Madrid are starting to tire of his demands and off-field distractions. The loyalty shown to him for years could soon turn into frustration, making a departure more likely than ever.

With the clock ticking on his contract, the club may be forced to make a decisive move sooner rather than later to avoid losing one of their biggest assets for free.

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their search for attacking reinforcements after missing out on Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

According to Fichajes, Spurs have now turned their attention to Brahim Diaz, another standout from the Bernabeu.

The North London club is reportedly exploring urgent options to bolster their midfield and attack following the departure of Heung-min Son to MLS.

Among the candidates gaining momentum is Brahim, whose performances last season have caught the eye of several top clubs.

His goalscoring ability, along with his technical skill and ability to adapt quickly to the English style, make him a highly attractive option.

Real Madrid and Brahim not considering exit

Despite Tottenham’s growing interest and willingness to spend, Brahim Diaz appears off-limits.

Real Madrid have no plans to sell the Moroccan international, who is close to signing a new contract after a solid campaign that saw him become a key figure in the squad.

Meanwhile, new manager Xabi Alonso, who is preparing for a demanding season both in La Liga and Europe, considers Brahim essential to his tactical setup.

Brahim, who has attracted interets from Serie A teams as well, has proven himself to be a versatile attacker, capable of playing across the entire front line.

Real Madrid value Brahim

His ability to come off the bench and change the course of games has made him one of Madrid’s most reliable impact players. Within the dressing room, he has earned the respect of teammates and coaching staff alike.

Moreover, Brahim has made it clear that he’s committed to staying at Real Madrid, making a Premier League switch highly unlikely.

While Tottenham may continue to monitor the situation, neither the player nor the club seem interested in altering their plans.

For now, it seems Tottenham will need to look elsewhere, as Brahim Diaz remains firmly part of Real Madrid’s future.

There is little doubt that Rodrygo Goes’ importance at Real Madrid is set to shrink next season, especially with the new manager Xabi Alonso largely relying on a system with just two forwards.

His lack of prominence in the FIFA Club World Cup only served as a trailer for the harsh reality that is going to unfold and there is thus no surprise that the player is largely being linked with a move away from the club.

The Premier League has been known to be his preferred destination for a long time now and Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with his signing for a while now.

Earlier this week, Tottenham Hotspur entered the race as well and quickly emerged as a party serious about his acquisition.

Rejected by the player

As relayed in a recent report by Santi Aouna, Rodrygo has no interest in joining Spurs despite the club’s interest and reports linking him to the Premier League side.

While Thomas Frank’s men have indeed registered interest in the Real Madrid star, there are no talks ongoing between Real Madrid and Tottenham as of now.

From the player’s perspective, Rodrygo feels he deserves to play for a club bigger than Spurs if he is leaving Real Madrid this summer.

While the statement may appear disrespectful to the English side, the fact remains that Rodrygo is a player who deserves to start for a club genuinely contending for all trophies including the UEFA Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur finished 17th in the Premier League last season, just above the relegation zone, and were poor in every sense of the word.

They did go on to win the UEFA Europa League and thus qualified for the UCL, but it is clear that they are far from a complete project.

It remains to be seen what comes of Rodrygo’s future and whether the potential moves to Liverpool or Arsenal go through.

Real Madrid have held internal discussions about the possible signing of Club Brugge midfielder Ardon Jashari, as reported by Defensa Central.

The Swiss international is up for sale this summer, and AC Milan were believed to be leading the race. However, the Belgian club’s asking price of €40 million is proving to be a major stumbling block.

Although Jashari has caught the attention of several top European clubs, Milan are hesitant to meet the fee demanded.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, did take time to assess the player, holding multiple conversations at within the club about his potential fit in the team.

Given that strengthening the midfield is something manager Xabi Alonso has pushed for recently, Jashari’s name naturally came up in those talks.

Jashari not living upto the expectations

Despite these discussions, sources close to the club claim that Jashari is not seen as the right fit.

Alonso, along with the club’s decision-makers, reportedly feels that the 22-year-old lacks the quality required to make an immediate impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.

This has cooled the club’s interest, and barring an unexpected change, Real Madrid are unlikely to move forward with a bid.

Instead, the focus within the club has shifted to other matters. The priority is currently on trimming the squad and managing player exits.

Officials believe the key objectives of the transfer window have already been met, especially the aim to bring fresh energy into the backline.

Transfer needs are already addressed

The arrival of promising talents like Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, Alvaro Carreras, and the experienced Trent Alexander-Arnold has helped strengthen and modernise the defence.

With that part of the plan checked off, Real Madrid are no longer desperate to make big moves in midfield unless a top-tier opportunity becomes available.

For now, the chapter on Ardon Jashari appears to be closed.

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the latest club to be linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid forward has found himself in a precarious situation this summer, with his role for next season not yet defined and likely to dwindle under Xabi Alonso.

This has led to widespread speculation over his future at Real Madrid, with Spurs emerging as one of the potential destinations.

Tottenham seek Real Madrid approval

According to AS, Tottenham have already started laying the groundwork for their pursuit of Rodrygo this summer.

It appears the Premier League giants have sought Real Madrid’s permission to speak with the Brazilian international.

Spurs are likely approaching Rodrygo in an attempt to convince the Real Madrid ace of their project under new coach Thomas Frank.

Spurs have already have spent €150 million this summer on new signings such as Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso among others.

However, the Lilywhites require that zest out wide which is missing and that is where Rodrygo comes into the fray.

That being said, signing the Brazilian international won’t be a straightforward task, with Real Madrid valuing at him at around €90 million.

Real Madrid have made it very clear in the recent past that the club are not looking to sell any of their players on cut price deals. Rodrygo is no exception.

Tottenham’s negotiator Daniel Levy is only open to either paying €90 million for Rodrygo or pay the forward’s hefty €10 million salary package. But not both at once.

Therefore, negotiations with Rodrygo will be key in not only convincing him of the Spurs project but also to lower his salary demands.

Real Madrid’s style of football has well and truly evolved over the years, under various managers and adapting to various player profiles available in different periods of time.

What has remained largely constant, however, is the importance of full-backs in the team’s style especially for their explosive attacking transitions and ability going forward.

Marcelo, at left-back, defined an era for Los Blancos and firmly established himself as the best attacking full-back on the planet during his time at the club. Since his departure, however, Real Madrid failed to fill that void.

Weight on Alvaro Carreras’ shoulders

Earlier this summer, the men in white announced the signing of Alvaro Carreras from Benfica as the latest addition to Xabi Alonso’s squad and it has been clear that the Spaniard will be the manager’s go-to choice in the position.

It is clear that Carreras faces a near-impossible challenge in filling Marcelo’s shoes and bringing back attacking flair to Real Madrid’s left flank. AS, however, relay in a recent report that the management have complete faith in him and believes in him.

Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia will both compete strongly with the new arrival in terms of minutes, but given that neither player has succeeded in establishing themself as a regular starter shows that the position is Carreras’ to lose.

The former academy graduate has returned home as the club’s second most expensive defensive signing in history and it is clear that the pressure will be on him.

Xabi Alonso and Co., however, see him as one of the first names on the team sheet.

Carreras will begin training at the club’s facilities later this month and will look to bring back the glory to Real Madrid’s left-back department. Only time will tell if he has it in him to go down as the next legendary player in that position.