Rodrygo won't be trading Real Madrid for Al Hilal despite the opportunity to become the world's most expensive player.
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Rodrygo responds to Saudi offerWorld record transfer proposedInterest remains in Vinicius Jr.Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
claims that Rodrygo has said no to joining Al-Hilal following a €300 million (£250m/$311m) bid from the Saudi Pro League champions. That is despite an insanely lucrative contract offer worth €140m (£117m/$145m) per season. Real Madrid rejected the world record transfer fee too.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Al-Hilal are seeking a replacement for Neymar following the veteran Brazilian's departure this week. Rodrygo doesn't have the same global profile as team-mates like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe, but the 24-year-old has played an equally important part in Real Madrid's successes. His form over the past six weeks has been outstanding, netting four times in his last two Champions League games and racking up eight goals and assists in his five most recent La Liga outings.
WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID
Carlo Ancelotti said on the subject of players fielding offers: "It's hard for me to talk about the future of the players, because they are personal decisions. What I see is that those who are here are very happy and want to stay. What each one thinks individually is difficult. It's hard for me to talk about my future, imagine others. And what I see is that many want to play here, even players that no one imagines."
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid may not be done when it comes to world record offers from Saudi Arabia. It is rumoured that a similar €300m bid, to join an as yet undecided club, is being prepared for Vinicius Junior ahead of the summer. The 2024 Best FIFA Men's Player will reportedly be offered €1 billion (£836m/$1.04bn) in tax-free wages over five years, or €200m each season, significantly more than the apparent proposal put to Rodrygo.