Phil Hay rules out Rodrigo sale at Leeds United this summer
Leeds United are not trying to sell Rodrigo this month despite the attacker being axed by Marcelo Bielsa, according to Phil Hay.
Rodrigo, 30, started against Manchester United last week but was hooked at half-time after a dismal performance.
The Spain international was then an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday as Bielsa opted to play Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas ahead of him in the midfield.
During the match, Bielsa could have substituted the ex-Valencia star in but decided against that, playing Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton instead.
The Athletic journalist Hay was asked after the match whether there are plans to sell Rodrigo before the transfer deadline on August 31.
However, Hay has suggested that is probably not on the cards.
“There’s been nothing to suggest that will happen but I know what you’re saying,” said Hay on The Athletic website on Saturday after the 2-2 draw with Everton.
“Rodrigo really needs to be a star here but as with last season, it’s Raphinha who’s constantly up there in lights.”
Expensive flop?
Rodrigo has struggled to fit in at Leeds United since his big-money move to Elland Road from Valencia last year.
Victor Orta splashed out £27million on signing the Spain forward, who’s only had four or five matches for the Whites where he’s really stood out among the rest.
On Saturday, Bielsa opted to play Roberts, Shackleton, Klich and Dallas ahead of him in the midfield and Patrick Bamford ahead of the versatile forward up front.
It’s not looking good for Orta after he spent so much of Bielsa’s budget last year on a player that simply hasn’t impressed.
Rodrigo’s unlikely to have resale value too as he’s 30-years-old now so it’s hard to see what will happen in regards to the Spaniard’s future.
We can’t sell him and he’s not playing well, nor is he fitting into Bielsa’s system.
In other Leeds United news, this club is ready to sell one of their star players to the Whites.