Leeds United forward Rodrigo offered to Barcelona
Leeds United forward Rodrigo has been offered to Barcelona as Xavi hunts down a new number nine, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish news outlet reports that Rodrigo’s former Valencia teammate Maxi Gomez has also been offered to Barca.
It is understood that as 30-year-old Rodrigo isn’t a regular starter for Leeds, he’s in search of a club where he can play more and solidify his chances of making the Spain squad for the World Cup this year.
Last-ditch sale?
With just four days to go until the January transfer window closes, a lot will have to happen in order for Rodrigo to be sold.
Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt want a replacement, first and foremost.
But also, the Leeds manager really isn’t a fan of chopping and changing his squad at the best of times – let alone in the middle of an injury crisis halfway through a season.
Leeds could still get drawn into a relegation battle and with Rodrigo now back to full fitness after a spell on the sidelines with a heel injury, we expect the Spain international to play more.
As Patrick Bamford has suffered a new foot injury, Rodrigo may get more game-time in the striker position.
Rodrigo has been linked with Barcelona a lot but we assume that he’s been offered to the La Liga club by his agent, and not by Leeds.
We feel as though the Brazil-born attacker hasn’t lived up to expectations at Leeds but it wouldn’t make sense to get rid of him this month.
We could, however, see a move taking place in the summer.
In other Leeds United news, a legal issue could block the Whites from sealing a major late signing.