Liverpool considering late move to sign £86m Isak alternative

Liverpool’s search for further attacking reinforcements this summer has intensified, with the club exploring alternative options should their primary target – a certain Alexander Isak – fail to materialise.

Amid the Premier League giants’ recruitment strategy, one young talent from La Liga has emerged as a potential solution to bolster Arne Slot’s frontline.

The forward, who has showcased glimpses of brilliance on Europe’s biggest stages, has seen his role at his current club diminish, prompting speculation over his future.

With only 92 minutes of action across three Club World Cup matches under new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, uncertainty has surrounded the Brazilian international this summer.

Limited playing time has sparked discussions across Europe, with several top-tier clubs reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Liverpool, in particular, view him as a viable alternative if their pursuit of Isak falls through, keen to add both creativity and goal-scoring threat to the left-hand side of their attack.

Liverpool’s transfer alternative

The player in question is none other than Rodrygo.

Since joining Real Madrid from Santos in 2019 for around £39m, the 24-year-old winger has established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.

Last season alone, Rodrygo netted 14 goals and contributed 11 assists, highlighting his ability to impact games consistently.

His skill set, combining pace, agility, and clinical finishing, has made him a valuable asset, particularly in high-stakes fixtures such as the Champions League.

Despite interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Brazilian has expressed a preference to remain in Europe, keeping his options open among Europe’s elite.

According to CaughtOffside, Real Madrid would entertain offers for Rodrygo in the region of €90–100m, about £86m.

Liverpool are ‘closely tracking’ his situation but Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City are also said to be alert to his availability, adding a competitive edge to any potential move.

Why Rodrygo could be Liverpool’s new Coutinho

The potential acquisition of Rodrygo has drawn inevitable comparisons to another Brazilian talent who once made a significant impact in English football: Philippe Coutinho.

Like Coutinho, Rodrygo is naturally gifted, possessing a flair that allows him to create opportunities seemingly out of nothing.

Both players favour operating on the left flank, combining vision and technical skill to unlock defences, yet their playing styles exhibit both similarities and distinctions.

According to FBref, during his peak at Liverpool in the 2016/17 season, Coutinho contributed 21 goal involvements, averaging 0.85 goal contributions per 90 minutes.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, registered 25 goal involvements last season, with a slightly lower goal contribution per 90 of 0.57.

While Coutinho attempted more shots per 90 minutes (4.28 compared to Rodrygo’s 3.25) and had a higher shots-on-target ratio (1.58 vs. 1.33), Rodrygo boasts a higher accuracy percentage (40.7% versus Coutinho’s 36.8%).

These numbers underline that while Coutinho may have been more prolific in creating shooting opportunities, Rodrygo’s efficiency and finishing ability make him a constant goal threat.

Rodrygo’s international experience is equally notable.

In 33 appearances for Brazil, he has scored seven goals, reflecting a promising trajectory on the international stage that complements his club credentials.

Beyond the numbers, stylistic parallels are also evident. Coutinho was celebrated for his exceptional vision, playmaking ability, and long-range shooting.

He had the knack for threading precise through balls and executing dangerous free-kicks and corners.

Rodrygo, while slightly more direct in his approach, shares a similar creative spark, excelling in one-on-one situations and demonstrating tactical versatility across the front line.

His agility and pace make him a consistent menace on the left wing, reminiscent of the Brazilian dynamism Liverpool once benefited from in Coutinho.

Strategically, Liverpool could benefit from Rodrygo’s presence in a comparable way.

Coutinho’s ability to unlock defences and operate between the lines gave Liverpool a creative edge that often proved decisive in tight matches.

Rodrygo, while younger and perhaps still refining his decision-making, brings a blend of speed, finishing, and technical flair that could similarly enhance Slot’s forward line, which already boasts the likes of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike.

Moreover, his track record in high-pressure games, including goals in the latter stages of the Champions League, demonstrates composure and readiness to deliver.

While Coutinho’s career path led him to Barcelona for a record fee and a different set of challenges, Rodrygo’s potential move to Liverpool would represent a chance to channel his talents in the Premier League.

If Liverpool’s recruitment team can secure him, the parallels with Coutinho’s impact at Anfield could be significant, adding a new dimension to Liverpool’s attacking options for the upcoming season.