Rafa Benitez has heaped praise on one player who has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
The Reds are set to begin a new era under Arne Slot. The Dutchman has big shoes to fill at Anfield, and it will be really interesting to see what he will do once he takes charge of the club.
Liverpool are expected to be active on the transfer market this summer, and they have been linked with a move to sign one Real Madrid player.
Former Reds manager Benitez has delivered his verdict on one of them.
Rafa Benitez makes big claim about Liverpool target Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo Goes has been in the news a lot recently.
The Brazilian is one of Real Madrid’s most important players. He has played 50 games in all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.
Rodrygo is expected to start the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, but there are rumours that could be his last game for Real Madrid.
It has been claimed that the Galacticos have put Rodrygo up for sale, and a number of clubs have been linked with a move to sign him.
However, Liverpool have been described as the favourites for his signature this summer by Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo.
Now, former Reds boss Benitez has showered praise on Rodrygo.
The Spaniard has claimed that many people think Jude Bellingham or Vinincius Jr are Real Madrid’s best players, but he actually thinks two others deserve that title – Federico Valverde and Liverpool target Rodrygo.
Benitez told The Times: “The question is always raised: who is the best player for Real Madrid? Some will say Jude Bellingham, someone else Vinicius Jr, but I like Federico Valverde and Rodrygo.
“Rodrygo plays alongside Vinicius Jnr in attack but is rarely talked about.
“For me, he is doing everything right. His movement is clever, his passing and the positions he takes up are good and we have seen his finishing can be the difference.”
How much Rodrygo will cost Liverpool – transfer fee and wages
It is a shock that Rodrygo’s future is up in the air, but there is a reason for that.
Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to join Real Madrid before the start of the Euros, and the Frenchman is expected by many to take Rodrygo’s place.
That could open the door for clubs to sign him, but the Brazilian will cost a lot of money.
When Arsenal were heavily linked with a move to sign Rodrygo in March, Dean Jones explained why the move will not be feasible for the Gunners.
He claimed that Rodrygo would cost a transfer fee ‘upwards of £85 million’ and would demand wages in excess of £200,000-a-week.
If Liverpool want to sign Rodrygo, they will likely have to be ready to pay the above sum.