Barcelona linked with shock move for Rodrygo, claim reports in Brazil

Rodrygo's future at Real Madrid remains uncertain. Although the player and those around him have repeatedly insisted that he intends to stay at the Bernabeu, UOL Esporte reports that Barcelona — fierce rivals of Los Blancos — are closely monitoring his situation.

The same source goes further, claiming that Barcelona have already made informal contact through intermediaries to convey their interest. However, no formal negotiations have taken place, and the approach is understood to be merely an exploratory move to assess the player's position at Madrid.

The Brazilian is enduring a difficult spell at Real Madrid. He has been struggling in front of goal — without a strike since 4 March — and has seen limited playing time under Xabi Alonso, featuring for just 93 minutes across three Club World Cup fixtures.

For much of the season, speculation has surrounded a potential summer departure, with Arsenal and Al-Hilal among the clubs reportedly interested. A fee of around €100 million has been mentioned.

Just last week, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Real Madrid had scheduled a meeting with the player to discuss his future. Few, however, expected the Catalan giants to emerge as contenders — though their recent acquisition of Rashford may now shift their focus.

UOL Esporte also contacted the player's inner circle, who dismissed the reports as "speculation" and insisted that "Rodrygo remains a Real Madrid player, under contract until 2028."

Liverpool are another club said to be monitoring the situation closely, with interest potentially increasing should Luis Diaz make the switch to Bayern Munich.