Liverpool have been pipped by Real Madrid a few too many times on and off the pitch recently.
The Reds were knocked out by Real in each of their last three Champions League campaigns under Jurgen Klopp.
That run included heartbreak during the 2022 final in Paris and also extended to finishing as runner-up to the Spaniard’s in 2018.
A hammering at Anfield last year was the final nail in the misery that Los Blancos have inflicted upon Liverpool over the years.
If that wasn’t enough, Real have also dominated the Reds in the transfer market, the current race for Leny Yoro being the latest in that saga. However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool could be about to hit back.
Liverpool look like they will lose out to Madrid over Yoro this summer. The Reds will have to look elsewhere for a new centre-back.
As well as a defender though, adding another forward to the Liverpool squad is reportedly high up on Arne Slot’s to-do list.
With that in mind, the Reds have been linked with an ambitious move for Real’s Rodrygo Goes.
And speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop on Thursday, journalist Bailey says that Liverpool are in touch with Rodrygo’s agents over a possible move this summer, and have also contacted Florentino Perez over Arda Guler.
"I am told that Liverpool have been checking on the situations of Rodrygo and Arda Guler – both of whom they are long-term admirers of and watched them for most of their careers," says Bailey.
"With both players, it was just a case of Liverpool checking on with Madrid, as they do with many clubs about certain players, to assess the situation," adds the reporter.
"On Guler, Florentino Perez does not want him to go, but he may allow a loan. We can’t see Liverpool being in that market though, and am told maybe someone like a Real Sociedad for a season is more likely."
"Rodrygo is a different situation. A huge talent who not just Liverpool are keen on, but as it stands the official line is he is not available and the player isn’t pushing to move…at the moment."
"Endrick and Mbappe are coming in, and with Vinicius Jnr already in place Rodrygo’s situation could change, and quickly. His representatives are keeping Liverpool and other suitors informed on him."
Liverpool were reportedly trying to sign Rodrygo before he even joined Real back in 2018.
Arriving as a teenager from Santos, the 23-year-old cost £35m. Although that looked steep at the time, Rodrygo would set Liverpool back an awful lot more now. A figure of £100m has already been mooted.
Nevertheless, there does seem to be a window of opportunity here. With so much attacking talent in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, something has to give.
There have been claims that Rodrygo absolutely does not want to leave Real, but if Liverpool can convince him otherwise then he’d be a dream signing at Anfield.
Young, versatile and with huge amounts of quality, Rodrygo could be the forward to take the Reds to another level. Let’s keep a close eye on this one.