Madrid open to selling €100M forward to NUFC but doubt if he would accept Magpies

The summer transfer window often produces whispers that seem too audacious to be true, and the latest rumor linking Newcastle United with a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo certainly fits that description.

According to prominent Spanish journalist Guillem Balague, while the Magpies’ interest might be genuine, there is a prevailing sense of doubt within the halls of the Santiago Bernabéu that the Brazilian forward would ever entertain a switch to Tyneside, even if a formal offer were to materialize.

This skepticism exists despite a potential financial opportunity that would be impossible to ignore for most clubs.

Real Madrid have reportedly set an initial asking price of €100 million for the 24-year-old sensation, a figure that aligns with his prodigious talent and pedigree.

However, in a intriguing twist that could define the final days of the window, sources suggest the Spanish giants could be persuaded to accept a fee in the region of €60 million as the deadline draws near, creating a potential bargain for a player of his caliber.

Newcastle are not operating in a vacuum in this pursuit. The Magpies find themselves in a formidable scrum of Premier League rivals, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool all meticulously monitoring Rodrygo’s evolving situation in the Spanish capital.

Yet, a curious stalemate has developed. Despite the widespread interest, none of these suitors have progressed to the stage of submitting a formal bid, leaving the player’s immediate future shrouded in uncertainty and opening the door for a late, dramatic twist.

The Magpies’ strategy could involve a patient game of high-stakes poker, waiting until the transfer window’s final frantic hours to table a concrete offer in the hope that Madrid’s reduced price and the player’s own desire for minutes force a breakthrough.

However, this calculated approach carries a significant risk. The core of the issue, as identified by Balague, is not the negotiation between clubs, but the persuasion of the player himself.

Convincing a two-time Champions League winner who is accustomed to the relentless pursuit of every major trophy to trade Madrid for a project still in its development phase represents Newcastle’s greatest hurdle.

Complicating the matter further are the public assurances of new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.

The former club legend has insisted that Rodrygo features in his plans for the upcoming campaign, a statement that somewhat contradicts the player’s recent bit-part role.

Rodrygo was limited to just three appearances during Madrid’s Club World Cup run, with his most recent outing amounting to a mere four-minute cameo in the quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund before Paris Saint-Germain ultimately eliminated them. This limited action for a player of his standing is a clear point of contention.

For Newcastle, the sales pitch is clear and compelling. They can offer two things Rodrygo desperately needs if he aspires to be a cornerstone for Brazil at next year’s World Cup: a guaranteed place in a starting XI and the platform of Champions League football.

At St. James’ Park, he would immediately become the focal point of the attack, a starring role he is unlikely to ever consistently secure at the Bernabéu.

The project under Eddie Howe, backed by ambitious owners, presents an exciting, upwardly mobile sporting challenge.

From Real Madrid’s perspective, the calculation is purely financial and tactical. If a substantial offer arrives, particularly one that meets their lowered €60 million valuation, they are not expected to stand in the player’s way.

The opportunity to recoup a significant fee for a squad player would provide valuable funds to reinvest elsewhere.

Ultimately, a potential transfer hinges on a profound shift in ambition. It would require Rodrygo to prioritize guaranteed playing time and a central role in a new project over the immense prestige and comfort of the Spanish capital.

While the prospect of leading Newcastle’s charge on both domestic and European fronts is an enticing one, the doubt from Madrid is understandable.

Convincing a player of his stature to make that leap remains the monumental task at hand, making this one of the most fascinating and unlikely storylines to watch as the transfer clock ticks down.

Aspect of the Transfer	Current Situation & Challenge
Newcastle’s Interest	Credited with interest but no formal bid submitted as of yet.
Real Madrid’s Stance	Initial €100m price tag could drop to ~€60m near deadline. Willing to sell for right price.
Competition	Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham, and Liverpool are also monitoring the situation.
Biggest Hurdle	Convincing Rodrygo to accept a move from Real Madrid to Newcastle’s project.
Newcastle’s Pitch	Guaranteed starting role and Champions League football to aid his World Cup ambitions.
Player’s Current Status	Publicly in Xabi Alonso’s plans but limited to minor, sporadic appearances.
Potential Catalyst	Rodrygo’s own desire for regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.