Brazil legend Rivaldo slams 'disrespectful' rumors as Liverpool linked with $108m transfer talks

Brazil legend Rivaldo has hit out at recent speculation regarding Rodrygo’s future at Real Madrid. The forward has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks.

The 23-year-old helped Real Madrid to the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, having scored in both legs against Manchester City. Recent reports though have suggested his place could be under threat.

With Kylian Mbappé expected to make the move to the Bernabéu this summer as his PSG contract expires, questions have been raised over Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr’s spots in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. That has led to the former being linked with a move away.

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Spanish outlet Cadena Ser claimed earlier this month that Liverpool had made contact with Real Madrid over the availability of the Brazilian forward. His fellow countryman though has hit out at the speculation.

“It's difficult to talk about Rodrygo leaving because we need to see if Mbappé does indeed join Madrid,” Rivaldo told Betfair. “Rodrygo is being talked about as the player to make way for Kylian, but that is disrespectful, and he just needs to trust in his football.

“I think Rodrygo has a chance to play in any team in the world, so he doesn't need to worry if he does have to leave. But he is a player who has already won the Champions League and has the chance to win another one this year. I believe he needs to stay calm.

“Of course, it would be an injustice for him because he is playing well for Real Madrid but a signing like this involves a lot of money and if the case is that he stays on the team as a substitute, he may need to move on. I think there is a way for both players to play at Real Madrid.”

Rivaldo also gave his verdict on the Premier League title race heading into the final few weeks of the season. Liverpool sits two points behind Manchester City with six games to go, and will need slip-ups from both Pep Guardiola’s side and Arsenal to stand a chance of claiming the title.

“Nothing has been decided yet because we still have a lot of games to play but Arsenal and Liverpool have given City an opportunity with their surprise defeats last weekend,” Rivaldo said. “I think the fact that all three sides are now out of Europe, they are all ready to fight for the Premier League title, so I think everything is now open. I think the race will be exciting, with the title going down to the very last day.”

Liverpool.com says: We don’t think Rivaldo has anything to worry about with those Rodrygo links. The report from Spain suggests the Brazilian is valued at around $108m (£86m/€100m), and it would be hard to see Liverpool splashing that much cash on one player when there a number of signings are needed.

It will be interesting to see how Ancelotti fits his players in if, as expected, Mbappé moves to Madrid. With Rodrygo and Vinicius also in the side, and not forgetting Jude Bellingham, that would be quite a fearsome attack to come up against.