Bielsa wants to sign Spain forward in time for Leeds v Liverpool, Radz approves – Sky journalist
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa wants to sign Valencia forward Rodrigo in time for him to play against Liverpool, according to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Writing on his personal website, the Italian reporter said that Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has set his sights on signing the 29-year-old Spain international this summer.
Interestingly, Di Marzio was with Radrizzani on Wednesday when the new Leeds United kit for the upcoming season was revealed by the Italian businessman and went on to report that Bielsa had agreed a new contract with the club.
It seems Di Marzio dug up even more information on Leeds, with him now reporting that both Bielsa and Radrizzani want to sign Rodrigo.
Bielsa is understood to want Rodrigo available for selection for Leeds’ first match of the new Premier League season when they play Liverpool at Anfield on September 12.
Last season, the Brazil-born striker scored seven goals and supplied 11 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
While his goalscoring record wasn’t eye-catching, it is worth looking into the number of assists he made because, as all Leeds fans know, Bielsa’s system doesn’t need a reliable goalscorer up front.
Patrick Bamford’s goal tally often frustrated fans last season but the striker’s overall link-up play is what kept him in Bielsa’s side.
Rodrigo clearly has a similar attribute that he can offer to the Leeds attack as he assisted goals against the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea last season.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have made a bid to sign this 23-year-old English forward.