Rodrigo still has European point to prove amid Real Madrid transfer links as Leeds United exit decision looms
Leeds United striker Rodrigo has emerged as a potential option for Real Madrid, and the Elland Road fan favourite will feel he has unfinished business in Spain.
The Spanish international reportedly has a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave Elland Road for just £3million following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
Following a challenging first year in English football, the 32-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign despite the club’s Premier League struggles, scoring 15 goals from 35 matches.
And according to Cadena Cope [7 June], Real Madrid have identified the Spanish veteran as a potential option to replace the departed club icon Karim Benzema, which has also been reported by The Athletic [16 June].
With the Whites now facing Championship football next season, Rodrigo may well feel he still has what it takes to perform at the top level, but still remains tight-lipped about his Elland Road, with a decision potentially to be made when he returns from international duty.
The Spanish international told Radio MARCA: “I live in the real world, I have Instagram and friends who read the newspapers. I can’t tell you much beyond what we all know because I don’t know.
“I’m very focused on the National Team right now and on the next games. Then, I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen, but I have a contract with Leeds and that has to be respected.”
The potential departure of Rodrigo would be a huge loss to Leeds United and the club’s fans after he stood up and made himself counted in a side that was short on confidence and lacked composure in front of goal last season.
The Spaniard’s energy, aggression and never-say-die attitude certainly endeared him to the Elland Road support throughout his three-year stint in West Yorkshire.
The former Valencia forward scored 13 of his side’s 48 goals in the Premier League on his way to being named the club’s Player of the Season, paying back some of the £27m they shelled out for him two summers ago.
And it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be pulling on a Leeds United shirt again when the Championship campaign kicks off again in August.
The 32-year-old is certainly approaching his twilight years and still has only a year left on his current contract which means the Whites may well be resigned to losing him, especially if the likes of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid come calling – a potentially last-chance saloon for Rodrigo to make his mark and impress in his homeland.
Few would begrudge Rodrigo a move this summer after he was one of only a number of Leeds United players who put in a strong showing across the campaign as a whole. He’s done all he can at a club making disappointing decisions behind the scenes and he certainly owes it to himself to have one last hurrah on the grandest European stage.
From a Leeds United perspective, the Whites must ensure they allow Rodrigo to depart with grace but attempt to replace him with a player who possesses the same characteristics and mentality that he so effortlessly embodies.
A tough task.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are planning to offer an exit-bound ace less money to stay according to Phil Hay.