Chelsea Propose Stunning €100M Swap Deal to Sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid

As the dust settles on Real Madrid’s disappointing Club World Cup final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, new manager Xabi Alonso is already shaping his vision for the future. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that Rodrygo Goes may not be part of it.

The Brazilian forward, once considered one of Los Blancos’ brightest young stars, is now facing a highly uncertain future at the Bernabéu. Sources close to the club suggest that Real Madrid are seriously considering parting ways with the 23-year-old, especially with strong interest coming from the Premier League.

Xabi Alonso signals major shift

Speaking after the 3-1 defeat to PSG, Xabi Alonso gave a blunt yet revealing insight into his early thoughts on what needs to change at the club.

“This championship has told me many things about who we are and what we need to improve,” Alonso said in his post-match press conference. “I’m leaving with a clear idea for next year. There will be changes, we will recover players, and next season will be different.”

These words weren’t just a coach trying to move on quickly — they marked the start of a transformation. Alonso is determined to build a team that functions as a unit, where every player is fully involved in both defense and attack. That spells trouble for flair players who are inconsistent or don’t contribute as much off the ball.

Rodrygo, for all his talent and big-game moments, has struggled to find consistent form this past season. In 45 appearances across all competitions, he registered 12 goals and 7 assists — decent numbers, but not the kind that guarantee a place in a squad as demanding as Madrid’s.

Premier League giants circling

Fortunately for Real Madrid, interest in Rodrygo is high. English clubs are watching the situation closely, with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal all reportedly preparing offers or sounding out intermediaries.

Chelsea, in particular, have made the boldest move so far. According to reports from Defensa Central, the Blues are exploring the possibility of a straight swap deal involving Rodrygo and Nicolas Jackson — both valued at around €100 million.

Such a deal would represent a significant shift in Real Madrid’s transfer policy, which has traditionally favored cash deals over swaps. However, the report also suggests that Madrid would rather receive the money to reinvest elsewhere, particularly in defense and midfield.

With big-money signings like Kylian Mbappé and Endrick set to arrive, Rodrygo’s place in the squad becomes even more vulnerable. Xabi Alonso is believed to be a fan of squad balance over having too many attackers fighting for limited spots, especially when some offer more versatility and work rate.

Florentino Pérez faces big decision

Club president Florentino Pérez now has a decision to make. Keeping Rodrygo could add attacking depth, especially in a season where Madrid will compete on multiple fronts. But selling him would provide valuable funds to strengthen key areas — and free up space in a squad already loaded with talent in the final third.

Rodrygo’s situation echoes the fate of other promising players who couldn’t quite live up to the weight of the white shirt. And with Real Madrid in the early stages of a rebuild under Xabi Alonso, sentimentality may not play a role in the choices to come.

If Chelsea or another Premier League side meets Madrid’s valuation — either in cash or with a swap plus cash — there’s a strong chance the Brazilian could be on the move before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.

What next for Rodrygo?

For Rodrygo, a switch to the Premier League could offer a fresh start and a system that suits his style better. At Chelsea, he’d reunite with fellow Brazilians and join a project that is investing heavily in youth under Enzo Maresca. Liverpool, too, are reshaping their squad, while Arsenal’s fluid attacking system might appeal to a player of his creative instincts.

Rodrygo Goes may have lit up the Bernabéu on more than one occasion, but in football, timing is everything — and this summer could be his time to move on.