Alonso Affirms Not Throwing Rodrygo From Real Madrid's Main Team

Rodrygo is not marginalized at Real Madrid (Instagram/@realmadrid).

JAKARTA - Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, backed Rodrygo without minutes of a 1-0 win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, amid rumors of a transfer to Premier League clubs.

The 24-year-old forward remained on the bench throughout La Liga's opening match, which further strengthened speculation of his move. Reports state that several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, have expressed interest.

Alonso, who arrived before the 2025 Club World Cup to replace Carlo Ancelotti, straightened out that Rodrygo's lack of playing minutes, saying he still relies on the Brazilian striker for now.

"It was just a game. If in three months he still hasn't got a minute to play, then the situation is different."

"Nothing happened. The 2025 Club World Cup has a different context because of the competition. However, this is only one game."

"I think we can forget the 2025 Club World Cup and the most important thing is this season. Of course I rely on Rodrygo. It's just one game, we don't have to read too much in the future."

"If he has (lack) minutes of playing in three months, then I can tell you more for sure. However, this is the match situation and my decision (not to play it)," Alonso said.

Rodrygo has turned from an indisputable star to a controversial figure in just a few months.

The striker, who scored two goals in 60 seconds against Manchester City in 2022 to lead one of the most legendary comebacks in Real Madrid history, now has to be sidelined with the appearance of the Kylian Mbappe-Vin Europa Junior-Jude Bellingham trio.

Real Madrid paid Santos around 54 million euros in 2018 to secure Rodrygo's services, who was then a promising 17-year-old player.

The move was considered successful after its fast adaptation with European football, but now the situation is different.

Transfer fees are determined on request. ESPN reports that Real Madrid will ask for around 100 million euros to negotiate its transfer, with a minimum fee set at 80 million euros.

Rodrygo's situation has sparked a series of reports in Spanish media about his possible new destination. Most of the rumors are baseless and in reality there have been no official negotiations with other clubs. Real Madrid also said that no offer has yet been made to date.

With about a week before the transfer window closes, the situation can change. If Rodrygo does leave, moving to the Premier League will be the most attractive option for him.

Apart from that, Real Madrid looked struggling in La Liga's opening match. Kylian Mbappe, in his second season with Los Blancos, led the team to a 1-0 win.

The goal gave Alonso a winning debut in his first full season with the club.

Madrid control possession, more than 70 percent. However, they struggled to penetrate Osasuna's tight defense early in the match, threatening with several long-range shots.

"There are positive things, starting from the results of the match. We still need a few things that will give us stability to keep going," said Alonso.