Real Madrid youngster reveals he rejected Man Utd and Barcelona but admits he must give up on 'dream' as he eyes summer transfer

Rodriguez, who turned 21 on Monday, rose from Los Blancos' youth setup and spent the last season on loan at Getafe. With a place in the first-team still unlikely, he has admitted he needs to leave the club if he is to get regular playing time in the coming season.

Rodriguez took the limelight back in 2023, when he scored an important goal against Atletico Madrid in the city derby. However, before even signing for Madrid, the youngster had offers from other top European clubs such as United, Espanyol and Clasico rivals Barcelona. But now, with Gonzalo Garcia making his mark under new manager Xabi Alonso, and Rodriguez not being called up for the Club World Cup, he has taken a pragmatic approach to his future.

Speaking to Post United, Rodriguez said: "I'm 20 years old, I think I have to leave, I can't wait much longer for the first team. I'll continue on my path with the goal of returning. My dream is to play for Real Madrid and I'm going to fight to achieve it , but to do that I have to leave first. I could have gone to the World Cup, but I understand why they gave Gonzalo the opportunity."

He added: "When I signed for Madrid, teams like Espanyol and Barça wanted me . My mother told my agent that I would only go to Madrid, and they hadn't called me yet. I think United also called about me . My manager even gave me an English dictionary.”

While Rodriguez doesn't have a place at Los Blancos, he is not willing to return to Getafe. According to Mundo Deportivo, he wants to make a move during the preseason itself rather than joining a club midway through the campaign. Two newly promoted sides, Levante and Elche, are among the parties interested in signing the forward. Another possibility is a move to Rayo Vallecano, but that depends entirely on Raul de Tomas' future at the club.