Phil Hay shares what Leeds sources told him about Rodrigo amid Valencia striker speculation
Leeds United feel as though it would be a “long shot” for them to sign Spain forward Rodrigo from Valencia this summer, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported earlier this week that Marcelo Bielsa and Andrea Radrizzani want the 29-year-old striker to join Leeds before they kick-off their Premier League campaign against Liverpool next month.
It has since been reported that by the Daily Mail that Leeds have been in touch with Valencia, who would be willing to sell one of their most valuable players for less than £30million due to a financial crisis at the Mestalla.
Former Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Hay has since been asked about the speculation linking Rodrigo with a move to Elland Road and he has since offered an update on what his sources at Leeds told him.
“When I asked about Rodrigo it wasn’t an outright no – but caveated with the fact that it would be a long shot,” said Hay via his personal Twitter account on Sunday morning.
At the end of the day, to sign top players, it isn’t easy.
Rodrigo is a Spain international who plays for one of the top clubs in La Liga, where he has scored 59 goals in 220 total appearances.
Last season saw the Brazil-born striker score against Chelsea and Ajax in the Champions League as he netted seven goals and supplied 11 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
He had injury troubles too but Rodrigo is certainly an upgrade on what Leeds have in Patrick Bamford, who has just one Premier League goal to his name in his career.
Rodrigo’s assist record suggests he can link up well with Leeds’ other attackers and slot in well with Bielsa’s attack.
We’d like to see Leeds sign him but, as Hay says, the club concedes it will be difficult.
But, if it wasn’t difficult, it wouldn’t be worth pursuing him.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani is personally involved in this Leeds bid to sign a Serie A forward.