Sky pundit claims Leeds have made transfer move which is a real statement of intent

Follow us on Google Discover

Micah Richards feels that Leeds United have made a real statement of intent by signing Rodrigo, as per his comments in the Daily Mail.

Rodrigo has become Leeds record signing after joining from Valencia in an expensive deal.

It has to be considered quite a coup for newly promoted Leeds to sign Spain’s current first-choice striker.

And Richards was delighted when he saw that the club he used to play for as a boy were making such ambitious transfer moves.

“The best thing about this signing is the message it sent out. We are back,” Richards said.

“The economy has changed since Leeds last broke their transfer record for Rio Ferdinand in 2000 but the fact the club were prepared to shatter it again for the first time in 20 years is a statement of intent.

“I’ve been to Elland Road 10 to 15 times since Marcelo Bielsa has been manager and the place feels as if it is alive again. I’m a local lad so I’m over the moon to see them back in the Premier League.

“They play superb football and with the chances they create, Rodrigo should score plenty of goals.”

It will be hugely intriguing to see whether Marcelo Bielsa starts with Rodrigo on opening day, or sticks by Patrick Bamford.

Bielsa usually likes to give any new signings plenty of time to settle, but leaving out a player of Rodrigo’s quality would surely be tough for Leeds.

Even if he doesn’t start at Anfield, Rodrigo will almost certainly be Leeds long-term solution up-front, as there are doubts over Bamford’s finishing ability.

While Bielsa remains a big fan of Bamford, the English striker was wasteful at times last term, and he will need to be more ruthless if he is to be a success in the Premier League.