Rodrygo makes Real Madrid transfer decision | OneFootball

Only the direct intervention of Real Madrid's next manager will keep Rodrygo in the Spanish capital, a new report has claimed.

The Brazilian forward has endured a testing campaign. Kylian Mbappe's arrival on a free transfer over the summer nudged Rodrygo down the pecking order, limiting the 24-year-old to the role of perennial supporting cast member.

"Often, I'm just filling spaces," he huffed to ESPN at the start of the season. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as No.9? Rodrygo. That's it."

There have been speculative reports of multiple Premier League clubs sniffing around Rodrygo and now it appears that he is leaning towards a summer exit, according to MARCA. The Spanish outlet claims that it will take an "express request" from Madrid's next head coach to convince the Brazilian to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti has always been a keen admirer of Rodrygo - who, despite his ever-changing role, has never openly criticised a manager he clearly respects - but the Italian boss is widely thought to be coming to the end of his managerial tenure. Exactly when Ancelotti departs is yet to be determined, although Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has been universally billed as the club's first, second and third-choice candidate.

Unless Alonso - or a different surprise appointment - sees a future for Rodrygo in Madrid, he will likely move on.

The club's upper hierarchy are said to be considering cashing in on the young forward. Any sale for Rodrygo would command a hefty sum and help the club fund what promises to be a busy transfer window this summer.

Madrid are said to be chasing after a new left-back and have also reportedly been in the market for another midfielder. The Liverpool duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have been linked while there is even talk of a move for Jude Bellingham's younger brother Jobe.