‘That’s What Worries Me’ – Xabi Alonso Gives Update on Rodrygo’s Future Amid Rumours of Huge Man City Bid
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has responded to speculation linking the Brazillian forward Rodrygo with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

‘That’s What Worries Me’ – Xabi Alonso Gives Update on Rodrygo’s Future Amid Rumours of Huge Man City Bid

Transfer Talk Heating Up at the Santiago Bernabéu

Every summer, Real Madrid find themselves at the center of the footballing universe. Whether it’s a glamorous new signing, a tactical evolution, or whispers about a star player’s future, the Santiago Bernabéu rarely stays quiet. This time, the spotlight is firmly on Rodrygo, the Brazilian forward who has been part of Madrid’s attacking trident alongside Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema in recent years.

But with Benzema gone, and with the high-profile arrivals of Kylian Mbappé and teenage prodigy Endrick, the future of Rodrygo has been thrown into doubt. Adding fuel to the fire, reports in England and Spain suggest Manchester City are preparing a massive bid to lure the 23-year-old to the Etihad Stadium.

As the rumours swirl, Xabi Alonso, Madrid’s newly-appointed head coach, addressed the speculation in his pre-match press conference. His words were carefully chosen, but they gave us a glimpse of both the opportunities and the uncertainties that lie ahead for Rodrygo.

What Happened?

Ahead of Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna, Xabi Alonso was naturally asked about the rumours linking Rodrygo with a big-money move to Pep Guardiola’s City. Rather than shutting down the speculation outright, Alonso chose to focus on the Brazilian’s role within his squad.

“There are a lot of rumours during the summer,” Xabi Alonso told reporters. “He’s been doing well. I’m counting on everyone, and I want them to be committed to and for the team and to be at 100%. That’s what worries me and what’s occupying me right now.”

It was a classic managerial response — calm, controlled, but revealing just enough to spark further debate. For Xabi Alonso, the key point was not the potential bid, but Rodrygo’s commitment. In other words: whatever happens in the transfer market, he expects his players to give everything while they are still wearing the famous white shirt.

Rodrygo Real Madrid

Rodrygo Real Madrid

The Bigger Picture: A Crowded Attack

For Rodrygo, the situation is more complicated than just rumours of a transfer. Even if Manchester City weren’t lurking in the background, his position at Madrid has suddenly become less secure.

  • Kylian Mbappé has arrived to be the face of Madrid’s attack for the next decade.

  • Endrick, though still just 17, is being groomed as the next Brazilian superstar.

  • Vinícius Júnior, arguably Madrid’s most dangerous attacker, remains untouchable.

This leaves Rodrygo in a battle for minutes, not just a guaranteed starting place. While he has enjoyed big moments in the Champions League and shown his quality with goals in crucial games, he now faces the challenge of reinventing himself in a squad overflowing with attacking firepower.

From Real Madrid’s perspective, this isn’t necessarily a bad problem to have. Competition breeds excellence, and Carlo Ancelotti (before Xabi Alonso) often emphasized the importance of squad depth. But for Rodrygo personally, it could mean fewer starts and a more rotational role — not always ideal for a player of his ambition and talent.

What Xabi Alonso Really Meant by ‘That’s What Worries Me’

When Xabi Alonso said, “That’s what worries me,” he wasn’t simply talking about the transfer market. What concerns him most is player mentality. He knows speculation is part of modern football — players are linked with moves constantly, especially those who play for Real Madrid.

But Xabi Alonso, a man known during his playing days for his discipline and intelligence, is now setting the tone as a manager. Commitment, focus, and professionalism are non-negotiable. Whether Rodrygo stays or goes, Alonso needs to see that the Brazilian is giving 100% on the training pitch and in matches.

It’s also a subtle message to the dressing room. By addressing the issue in public, Xabi Alonso is showing that he won’t let rumours become distractions. Everyone must be ready, everyone must be focused, and nobody can think they are bigger than the team.

Xabi ALonso

Xabi ALonso

Manchester City’s Interest

The reports linking Rodrygo to Manchester City are not surprising. Guardiola has long admired technical, versatile attackers, and Rodrygo fits that profile perfectly. He can play on either wing, operate as a second striker, or even drift into midfield. His close control, dribbling, and knack for scoring important goals would make him a natural fit in City’s fluid attacking system.

City, of course, have an embarrassment of riches themselves — Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and more. But Guardiola is always looking to refresh his squad, and the chance to bring in a player with Rodrygo’s Champions League pedigree is understandably appealing.

For Madrid, the potential financial upside is enormous. Any City bid would likely be north of €100 million, giving Los Blancos room to further invest in their squad. Yet selling Rodrygo would also mean losing a player who has already proven his worth in clutch moments.

What Next for Rodrygo?

The immediate focus is clear: Madrid’s La Liga opener against Osasuna. Xabi Alonso has insisted that Rodrygo remains part of his plans, and unless something changes dramatically, the Brazilian should be in the matchday squad.

But as long as the transfer window remains open, speculation will continue. Rodrygo’s task is simple in theory but difficult in practice: perform well, show commitment, and remind Madrid why he deserves to be part of their future.

If he can impress Xabi Alonso and deliver on the pitch, Madrid may decide he is too valuable to let go. If his performances dip, however, the door could open wider for a blockbuster move to Manchester.

The Human Side of the Story

Beyond the tactics and the transfer fees, it’s worth remembering that Rodrygo is still a young player facing huge pressure. At 23, he has already experienced the highs of scoring in Champions League semi-finals, but also the lows of being overshadowed by bigger names.

For Brazilian players at Madrid, the comparisons are constant: Vinícius has become the darling of the Bernabéu, while Endrick is hyped as the next big thing. Rodrygo, caught in the middle, must carve out his own identity. That’s not easy when every week brings new rumours and every summer brings new arrivals.

Alonso’s words — calm but pointed — suggest he understands this. His priority is not to silence speculation, but to guide his players through it.

Final Thoughts

The headline says it all: “That’s what worries me – Xabi Alonso gives update on Rodrygo’s future amid rumours of huge Man City bid.” And indeed, the concern for Alonso is not the rumour mill itself, but the focus and commitment of his players.

Rodrygo now stands at a crossroads. Stay and fight for his place in a star-studded Madrid attack, or seize the chance for a fresh start under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Whatever happens, the next few weeks will be decisive — not just for Rodrygo’s career, but for the balance of power in European football.

Because when Real Madrid and Manchester City are circling the same player, you know it’s a story worth following until the very last day of the transfer window.

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