Rodrigo packs bags to quit Leeds United for good, Spain call-up hopes now dashed
Rodrigo has already packed his bags as he closes on a move to Al Rayyan from Leeds United, according to La Provincia.
The Spanish paper wrote in its print edition (13 July, page 46) that the 32-year-old is headed for Qatar and explained a move to Sevilla failed to materialise due to a “lack of monetary capital”.
However, it appears as though Rodrigo’s new choice of home may have ramifications for his international career.
The forward had worked his way back into the Spain set-up under Luis de la Fuente.
But La Provincia wrote that the move to Qatar means he has essentially ended his Spain days and will miss out on Euro 2024 in Germany next year.
Here comes the money…
As soon as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League last season it became evident that Rodrigo would be among the players headed for the exit door in a mass exodus at Elland Road.
The only real question was where would he go? The Victor Orta link at Sevilla suggested that a return to La Liga may be on the cards, while Everton were sniffing around for a bargain having themselves survived by the skin of their teeth.
But Rodrigo, who scored 15 goals across all competitions last season, has like many others this transfer window gone where the cash is.
In some ways you can see the logic. At 32 he is taking what will likely be the biggest payday of his career. At the same time, you do wonder if he had been better served remaining in a more competitive league for 12 months and having a crack at making the European Championship.
Alas, he has opted for a move to line the wallet, and thus his international career is almost certainly at an end.
In other Leeds United news, a transfer update has emerged on the future of Helder Costa.