Journalist claims ‘intelligent’ player ‘likes’ the idea of Leeds United transfer

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Well-known Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague has said on his YouTube channel that Rodrigo is open to joining Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

According to Marca, Leeds are interested in signing Rodrigo – who can play as a striker or as a winger – from Spanish club Valencia this summer.

Gianluca Di Marzio has also reported that the Whites, who have won automatic promotion to the Premier League, are looking into the possibility of securing the services of the Spain international.

Balague, who now works for BBC Sport and is a well-respected Spanish football expert, has given his take on the 29-year-old former Benfica man.

Balague said on his YouTube channel: “At Leeds, there are people taking decisions, the CEO, director of football, the chairman and Bielsa, who think out of the box. It was very brave from I imagine it was Victor Orta coming out with this idea, ‘How about Rodrigo?’

“I’m sure the wages Leeds could offer would match and improve the ones from Valencia. For Leeds it makes complete sense – intelligent, hard worker, desiring the success of the collective. We will have to keep an eye on it. We are still in the early stages in terms of club conversations.

“Leeds will have to reach an agreement with Rodrigo as well, which hasn’t happened yet. All I will say is Rodrigo likes the idea of Leeds and that’s fascinating.”

Stats

According to WhoScored, Rodrigo made 23 starts and four substitute appearances in La Liga for Valencia during the 2019-20 campaign, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in the process.

Good signing for Leeds United?

Patrick Bamford is the only senior out-and-out striker in the current Leeds squad, and head coach Marcelo Bielsa needs to bring in another player for that position.

Given that Rodrigo can play as a striker or as a winger, he would be a good addition to the Whites’ team, and his versatility would come in handy.