View: Leeds United need to sell Rodrigo to Barcelona while they have the chance
Leeds United should make the most of the opportunity to offload inconsistent record-signing Rodrigo before the January deadline.
The Spanish forward has frequently been linked to an exit from Elland Road and Mundo Deportivo is today reporting that he has been “offered” to Barcelona.
The deal may hinge on the La Liga giants’ ability to bring in Alvaro Morata who is currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid (Express).
The report today says that Rodrigo sees a move as his best option for making the Spanish squad for the World Cup in Qatar later this year, since he is not a guaranteed starter for Marcelo Bielsa.
Cut losses
The ex-Valencia attacker has not justified his fee or his wages since his move a year and a half ago, having failed to establish himself properly for United.
He managed seven goals in his first season but has only scored twice this year, and has missed time with injury while being surpassed by the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison.
With Dan James added to the team at the start of the season as well, his chances of becoming the main man he was expected to be are now further reduced.
Parting with the 30-year-old now would save the club £100,000-a-week in wages (The Times), and despite their well publicised financial issues the Catalan club seem to be finding ways to back their new boss Xavi in the transfer market.
Even if it is a temporary move at this stage, with a permanent transfer to come at the end of the season, that portion of the wage bill could go towards an incoming loan move before the end of the month.
The Athletic reported that a loan offer from the Camp Nou arrived just before the summer transfer deadline, which was rejected due to the manager being committed to him.
But six months further on the issues with trying to work him into the line-up have continued.
Bielsa didn’t give up at the first opportunity, but continued efforts haven’t been successful and an expensive, unsettled player hanging around is not helpful.
In other Leeds United news, the club are reportedly chasing this PL striker.