Big-name departure opens door for Real Madrid star to make Premier League move

The departure of Tottenham captain Heung-min Son, a club legend at 33, leaves a glaring vacancy on the left wing — and Spurs have a very specific replacement in mind: Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes.

As previously reported, Tottenham have been tracking the Brazilian international closely and even asked Madrid for permission to speak with him.

The reasons Rodrygo could leave Real Madrid

Rodrygo, 24, is under contract at the Bernabéu through June 2028 and has never publicly expressed a desire to leave. Still, his playing time dipped under Xabi Alonso at the FIFA Club World Cup, and the rise of teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono along with breakout forward Gonzalo García hasn’t helped his standing.

Money won’t be the obstacle. Son’s departure frees up Tottenham’s highest salary — over $12 million a year — giving Spurs the flexibility to chase a marquee signing. Rodrygo, whose natural position is on the left wing, could finally play in his preferred role, something he’s rarely been able to do at Madrid with Vinícius Júnior ahead of him. But prying him away won’t be straightforward.

Tottenham’s recent boost from a new U.S. investor and the lure of Champions League soccer make the move more appealing, but chairman Daniel Levy isn’t ready to abandon his careful strategy. Right now, Spurs are focused on closing a deal with Bayern Munich for João Palhinha, the top request of new head coach Thomas Frank. Only after landing the Portuguese midfielder will they decide whether to make a final push for Rodrygo.

Liverpool could target Rodrygo after Isak rejection

In London, there’s still skepticism about whether the deal can happen — in part because of Liverpool’s lingering interest.

The Reds put their “Rodrygo plan” on hold after Alexander Isak hit the market. The Newcastle striker fits everything Liverpool want in a center forward — essentially, what Darwin Núñez was supposed to be.

Newcastle rejected an initial $153 million bid for Isak, and reports in England suggest Liverpool won’t make another move for him this window despite agreeing personal terms through 2031 with one of the club’s top-three salaries. They had promised him the moon, but nothing is finalized.

For now, Rodrygo is waiting to see if Liverpool come calling.