Leeds United journalist Joe Donnohue has ruled out a last-minute transfer market exit for Spanish striker Rodrigo.
Despite having only signed for the club last summer – for a club-record fee of £26m – the former Valencia man has already had to deny rumours of a potential exit as far back as last March.
With clouds over a player’s future such as that, a possible sale always feels as if it could be on the cards. However, while talking on a Leeds United Live Facebook video, Donnohue explained that the chances of Rodrigo leaving were quite low.
He explained: “Is Rodrigo going to stay? I think, yes. I think you could probably say quite safely, Rodrigo is going to stay.
“You know, the investment that Leeds made 12 months ago, it’s not one where you’re going to get a return on that investment.”
TIF thoughts on Rodrigo and Leeds United…
Considering he was the club’s most expensive signing ever, the Spaniard has perhaps not quite lived up to the expectations his hefty valuation thrust upon him.
Goals weren’t quite as easy to come by for Rodrigo as he would have probably hoped in his first season with the club. After all, the 30-year-old netted just seven times in 26 league appearances.
If he is to stay, though, things could be looking up for the striker. The arrival of Dan James from Manchester United could provide Rodrigo with more attacking service, while the reported £25m fee could also draw some attention away from the 30-year-old’s own price tag.
Perhaps this season, Leeds fans will finally see Rodrigo flourish under the management of Marcelo Bielsa.