Phil Hay: Leeds United in no position to loan Rodrigo to Barcelona in January
Leeds United are in dire need of players so are not likely to allow Rodrigo to leave for Barcelona on loan in January, according to Phil Hay.
The Spanish giants wanted the Spain international on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, but failed to get his signing over the line.
Recently, Hay himself suggested that they could be keen on signing the Leeds attacker on loan, but believes Leeds will not let him leave.
In the comments section of his recent post on The Athletic, “I thought this would be a good year for him [Rodrigo] but it doesn’t feel like Bielsa sees him as a 9 and Rodrigo never looks totally secure at 10 to me either. Still to be shown that he was the right signing.
“They did fancy him at the end of the last window but Leeds don’t seem to have the scope to lose anyone. On the contrary, they need more bodies.”
Must not consider
Rodrigo hasn’t proven his worth at Elland Road despite coming to the club with a huge reputation.
He was also Leeds’ record signing and given how Bielsa pushed for him, many expected him to thrive in his system.
However, that has not been the case and the Spaniard has struggled to even get regular game time at the club.
He has not even featured in his preferred number nine position and has played most of his games in midfield.
Rodrigo may be looking for a fresh break away from Leeds, but any exit must be sanctioned only in the summer.
Given Leeds’ growing injury concerns, Bielsa would want as many names as he can have at the club.
This would avoid the Argentine from constantly looking at the academy to fill the numbers during matchdays.
In other Leeds United news, a football finance expert has made a £200m Leeds claim after recent Radz-49ers update