Rodrygo has made his feelings clear on Liverpool as club 'enters race to sign Real Madrid star'

Rodrygo has already made his feelings clear on Liverpool amid reports the Premier League club are preparing a shock bid for the Real Madrid star.

Rodrygo, 24, has played a key role in Madrid's recent success under former head coach Carlo Ancelotti, winning three La Liga titles and the Champions League twice since joining the club in a £39m move from Santos in 2019.

However, he has found life more difficult under new boss Xabi Alonso, who replaced Ancelotti ahead of the ongoing Club World Cup.

Rodrygo started the opening match of the competition against Al Hilal, registering an assist in a 1-1 draw with the Saudi Pro League side.

But he was given just 27 minutes of football in the remainder of the tournament and didn't feature at all against Juventus, Pachuca or in Real Madrid's 4-0 defeat to PSG in the last four.

Alonso has favoured Gonzalo Garcia in attack, with the likes of Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler receiving more game time than the Brazilian.

Rodrygo was left on the bench for the Club World Cup defeat to PSG (Image: Getty)

Rodrygo hasn't scored for Real Madrid since February and Spanish publication Fichajes report the club are now 'ready to sell' the player.

It follow separate reports in Spain that claim Alonso has been given full backing to drop any player from his squad, no matter how high-profile or expensive they are.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with a move for Rodrygo, although Brazil's UOL Esporte claim Real Madrid are seeking €100m (£86m) to let him leave the Bernabeu.

Spanish publication AS claim Liverpool have also joined the race to sign the Brazil international, with the Premier League champions said to be keeping tabs on his situation at Madrid.

It comes amid reports Liverpool winger Luis Diaz could leave Anfield, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich said to be interested in the Colombian.

"With Luis Diaz's possible departure, Liverpool has expressed interest in the Brazilian. Madrid has not received any offers," wrote AS.

What has Rodrygo said about Liverpool?

Rodrygo has faced Liverpool on several occasions in European football, winning four of his five games against the Reds - including the 2022 Champions League final, which Madrid won 1-0 courtesy of a goal from compatriot Vinicius Jr.

He almost came close to signing for Liverpool in 2017 for just £2.5m prior to his move to Real Madrid.

"We didn't close the deal because I didn't want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good… finally, I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos," said Rodrygo in 2024.

Rodrygo has faced Liverpool on several occasions (Image: Getty)

"But it's true, I almost went to Liverpool in 2017."

Despite turning Liverpool down, he has expressed his admiration for the club and its fans.

Speaking ahead of a Champions League clash at Anfield in 2023, he said: "The game there is going to be very difficult, we already know this.

"Playing against Liverpool is always difficult whether with or without fans, but at Anfield even more."

But despite those previous words of praise for Liverpool, it appears Arsenal are the current frontrunners to sign the winger.

AS report that the Brazilian has made it clear that, if he is to be sold, he wants to choose his destination - with Arsenal his preferred choice.