Liverpool have ulterior motive for Rodrygo transfer as Prem rival left sweating

It's been a long time since Liverpool have had a summer as frantic as this one, with the Reds involved in plenty of transfer activity. A move for Jeremie Frimpong kicked things off, with Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and most recently Hugo Ekitike following after.

On the back of their second Premier League title in five years, Liverpool certainly haven't stood still, with Arne Slot keen to build on his incredible maiden campaign in English football. But the remarkable thing for Liverpool fans is that even more Anfield arrivals are being mooted.

Following the departure of Jarell Quansah and the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate's future, there is talk Liverpool could make a move for a new centre-back before the window shuts. But it's in the attacking department where the 20-time champions could make a real statement, while landing a killer blow on one of their closest Premier League rivals.

That's because reports coming out of Spain suggest Manchester City star Rodri has been earmarked by Real Madrid as the La Liga club's next 'big goal' in the market. It comes after securing big-name signings like Kylian Mbappe and, as Liverpool know all too well, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Mbappe and Alexander-Arnold were both signed as part of free transfer deals, but given Rodri is under contract at City until 2027, Real Madrid would have to wait at least two years if they wanted to use the same strategy. However, Spanish outlet AS claim Real Madrid could test City's resolve with a bid, in order to lure Rodri away from the Etihad Stadium earlier than the 2027 expiry date.

The report states that Real Madrid believe they're currently in a strong financial position, but that could be strengthened by the sale of Rodrygo. And considering Liverpool are one of the rumoured suitors for the Brazilian attacker, they could be securing a double whammy by signing him this summer.

Liverpool are said to want Rodrygo to join their starting forward line and play alongside talisman Mohamed Salah and fellow new signing Ekitike. The Merseyside outfit could even fund the arrival of Rodrygo by selling Luis Diaz, with Bayern Munich linked to the Colombian attacker.

If a move for Rodrygo transpires, not only will they secure the services of one of the world's most exciting attacking talents, but by doing so, Liverpool could be strengthening the financial situation of Real Madrid ahead of a proposed transfer raid for midfield general Rodri. It's a win-win situation for Slot and Co.