América faces LAFC Saturday night with a Club World Cup spot on the line
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Uruguayan winger could be on his way out of AméricaRodríguez missed most of the playoffs due to injuryHas made 104 appearances for Las Águilas
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
One of the lingering questions surrounding América ahead of Saturday night's decisive match against LAFC for a Club World Cup spot is the future of Uruguayan winger Brian Rodríguez. Uncertainty has increased in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he may be on his way out.
According to ESPN, Inter Miami is showing strong interest in bringing the attacker back to Major League Soccer. Rodríguez has been a key figure in América’s lineup, and his potential departure has not gone unnoticed by fans.
“There’s nothing for me to clarify. I think these are just rumors,” Rodríguez said. “Great players are always linked to great teams, and there are always offers… The work I do at América will always stand out. This is a massive club, the whole world is watching, and being in the spotlight comes with the territory. I’m used to it.”
Rodríguez made his position clear.
"My head is here at América," he said. "I want to work hard, I want to qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup – and we’ll see what happens after that.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT BRIAN RODRÍGUEZ SAID
Rodríguez reflected on Club América's recent disappointment in the Liga MX Final and emphasized the importance of the CWC opportunity.
“We didn’t get the four-peat. It was a huge disappointment- we were close to making history,” Rodríguez said. “Now we have a shot at redemption. This match carries enormous weight. We’ve been given the chance to play it, and for us, it means just as much as the Liga MX Final.”
Rodríguez made it clear that the team is united in their goal.
“There’s always expectations, but I don’t see it as pressure," he said. "We all want the same thing – to make it to the Club World Cup. As a club, as players, and with the group we could be facing, we’re aware of everything.”
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Rodríguez currently earns approximately $1.5 million per season at Club América. Inter Miami, however, reportedly could offer him up to $4.5 million, matching the salaries of recent signings such as Marcelo Weigandt and Federico Redondo.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BRIAN RODRÍGUEZ AND AMÉRICA?
Club América face LAFC in a winner-takes-all clash for a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.