Reports out of Spain suggest that Rodrygo Goes is considering a summer exit from Real Madrid, having grown frustrated with the increasingly individualistic nature of the team’s attack, fearing he has fallen in the pecking order.
The 24-year-old joined Los Blancos from Santos in 2019 and has since played a key role in the club’s success, contributing to two UEFA Champions League triumphs, as well as victories in LaLiga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey.
However, Rodrygo has struggled to maintain his influence in recent times, a dip he likely attributes not to his own form, but to the increasingly individualistic nature of Madrid’s attack.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappé last summer further complicated matters, forcing the club to accommodate three natural left wingers in the starting XI.
As a result, Rodrygo, who is versatile across the front line, has been pushed to the right—a position where he has often looked less effective.
With the player now threatening an exit in the upcoming window, we take a look at five key reasons why Real Madrid should be eager to sanction his departure rather than keep him around for the future.
5 Reasons Why Real Madrid Should Sell Rodrygo
1. Not a reliable starter
Rodrygo Goes hasn’t truly convinced since earning a regular place in Real Madrid’s starting XI, with expectations often outweighing his impact, hence, his reason for feeling insecure of his stance in the team.
While his numbers remain respectable on paper, he has rarely delivered when the club needed someone to rise to the occasion.
In a squad brimming with attacking talent, contributions must be both consistent and decisive—especially in key moments. For Rodrygo, his standout performances mostly remain cameos against tired legs rather than game defining displays.
The Brazilian has scored just once in his last 24 appearances across all competitions, and for a player seeking a more prominent role, he has yet to justify the faith placed in him during Madrid’s trying times.
2. Does not have to be replaced
Should Rodrygo eventually be sold, Real Madrid would have no pressing need to sign a replacement, as the club already boasts serious talent capable of filling the void.
In Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz, Los Blancos possess two of the most exciting right wingers in Europe. Both players have also displayed brilliance and been decisive when called upon, despite limited game time.
Güler, in particular, has shown he deserves a more prominent role in the team. His exceptional technical ability and instinct for goal point to a bright future at the club—one he’s more likely to realize if Rodrygo is no longer in the picture.
There is also Endrick, who is the only pure No.9 in the team, but has not had any genuine run of games in the team due to the priority given to Rodrygo to start.
3. Doesn’t balance the attack
An imminent departure of Rodrygo Goes would offer Real Madrid the opportunity to field a more balanced and natural attacking setup on a consistent basis.
The Brazilian has often been deployed out of position during his time in at the club, operating primarily on the right flank to accommodate others. While that has been cited as a factor in his inconsistent performances, it appears a weak excuse because Rodrygo also plays as a right winger in most of his international caps.
Regardless, his exit would open the door for players like Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz, both whom are better suited to that role stylistically and will allow Real Madrid to construct a more fluid and positionally cohesive frontline.
Unlike Rodrygo, whose skill set often seems caught between roles, Güler brings finesse and vision, while Díaz adds unpredictability with his quick movement, traits that add the much needed balance to Madrid’s attack.
Endrick could also be afforded more role in the future
4. Extra Millions to Fund Deals
Top clubs will undoubtedly be tempted by the opportunity to sign the Brazilian, which aligns well with Real Madrid’s long-term plans.
Rodrygo’s contract, which runs until the summer of 2028, includes a staggering €1 billion release clause. While it’s clear he won’t be sold for that amount, the clause serves its purpose, giving Los Blancos full control in any negotiations with potential suitors.
This leverage allows Madrid to demand a fee as high as reasonably possible, which could help finance key signings in areas that genuinely need reinforcement, starting from the upcoming summer transfer window.
5. It’s a win-win situation
Rodrygo is a talented player whose qualities would be valued by many top clubs around the world. However, Real Madrid have been fortunate to possess even more gifted options, making it difficult for him to truly stand out.
A move away would benefit all parties involved. Madrid would gain funds to reinvest in priority areas, Rodrygo would find a fresh environment, perhaps one where his talents are better appreciated, while his new club would acquire a skilled and versatile attacker.
In the end, it’s a win-win scenario that leaves everyone in the cycle go home happy.
While Rodrygo is undeniably talented, he is the least important of Real Madrid’s main attackers, and one that could easily be let go of in favour of the others.
His departure will also do good to the squad, and the club’s expenses, amidst an increased demands that would be made in case of a contract extension.
The club also appears to be in that stage where they need one of the three to go as their attack has become boring, and Rodrygo seeking an exit couldn’t be more well timed, for the good of everyone.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
