Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of Luis Diaz at Liverpool, with rumors regarding a potential exit to Bayern Munich seeming to pick up steam in recent days, it is logical to expect the Reds to be linked with various left wings as a potential replacement option for the Colombian.
Notably, the prospect of bringing in Real Madrid's Rodrygo is something that has been reported on throughout the transfer window.
Here is an update on the last few days of rumors surrounding the Brazilian and how he might fit into Arne Slot's side should this transfer happen.
Rumors
Perhaps most importantly, it should be stated that, while there are plenty of clubs around Europe that hold an interest in the forward, it is not a guarantee that he will depart the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish giants are prepared to sanction Rodrygo's departure, with a €100 million negotiable price tag mentioned.
However, Romano goes on to state that the player himself is unsure if he wants to depart, as he is still 'in love' with the club, leaving him with a 'big decision' to make.
It is still unclear how he will figure into Xabi Alonso's plans this upcoming season. It has been reported recently that the two will meet and this will influence his decision regarding his future, though it has not been specified if this has happened yet.
On the Liverpool end, it seemed there is heavy interest in Rodrygo should Diaz depart, though the reporting of James Pearce today certainly threw a spanner in the works.
According to Pearce, the Brazilian is not currently seen as a potential Diaz replacement and that there have been no talks between the clubs.
Interestingly, this directly contradicts the reporting of other journalists, both associated with the club and not, that have been reliable all summer.
Lewis Steele today said that there is 'definitely interest' in the forward and the same applies for Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, who have been highly reliable for the club since the appointment of Richard Hughes and mentioned interest from Liverpool for weeks.
Ideally, there will be clarity on this situation soon. On Liverpool's end, their plans for replacing Luis Diaz likely will not become clear until he actually departs, so as to maintain their position of strength in negotiations with Bayern.
Until then, it seems pointless to try to determine which of the reporters mentioned above are correct in regards to if the club are interested in Rodrygo or not.
Potential Fit
Rodrygo's versatility would make his fit within Slot's Liverpool side very interesting.
The obvious position for him would be on the left but he also could likely do a job through the middle or even potentially playing off of a striker.
With the recent addition of Hugo Ekitike, a forward who thrived with Omar Marmoush playing off him for Frankfurt, the idea of a partnership forming between Liverpool's new striker and Rodrygo is not outlandish.
He is also an elite ball-carrier and this stands out when watching him.
This would be particularly useful in the Premier League for Liverpool, who could use more ball carrying in their side. Especially should Diaz, who is plenty capable of picking the ball up deep and driving forward, does depart.
Statistically, his numbers do not jump off the page. The counterpoint to this is that he played in a side crammed full of attacking talent, some of which it could be argued are not the easiest to play with, and he fell down the pecking order as a result.
It would be reasonable to expect his numbers to improve in the situation he would find himself in at Anfield.
All in all, Rodrygo would be an exciting addition to Liverpool, with plenty of reasons for optimism that he can improve upon his levels and grow together with similarly-aged forwards like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.