Reported Leeds United target Rodrigo de Paul is likely to leave Udinese this summer, sporting director Pasquale Marino told Radio24, translated by FantaMaster.
Well, it seems that player and club see things a little differently.
Speaking to Udinese’s official website earlier this week, De Paul made it clear that he was happy and settled in Fruili. He had no intention of uprooting his young family and, when asked about a potential departure, he admitted that he had ‘closed the door to everyone’.
But, while De Paul might want to stay, that decision may be taken out of his hands.
Udinese, like every Serie A club, have been hit hard by an ongoing financial crisis engulfing European football.
If someone, a Leeds, a Juventus, an Inter Milan or a PSG, are willing to pay £40 million for the Argentina international, I Bianconeri are in no real position to say no (the Sun).
“He has characteristics that many top clubs in Europe are missing, not only Juventus” Marino explained, suggesting that De Paul’s departure remains an inevitability.
“I hope it won’t happen, but whoever will sign him next summer will raise their team to a different level.”
Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa is a big admirer of the 26-year-old former Valencia youngster; a crafty and creative attacking midfielder who should slot in perfectly to a side who make more chances than almost any other team in the Premier League.
De Paul, however, would require Leeds to break their transfer record.
Then again, with their Premier League status all-but secured for another season, and with investment from the San Fransisco 49ers likely to boost the coffers, do not rule out another summer of heavy spending.
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