Leeds United

Leeds United: Conor McGilligan urges Rodrigo sale amid Barcelona transfer talk

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Football journalist Conor McGilligan has claimed that Leeds United ‘simply have to get rid of’ Rodrigo due to his high wages.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona boss Xavi has his eye on the Leeds forward as a backup plan option, with the purchase of Juventus striker Alvaro Morata thought to be ‘impossible’.

The article explains that Rodrigo is also keen on the move as he wants to be back in Spain to help his chances of playing for La Roja in the 2022 World Cup.

While addressing such rumours on the One Leeds Fan Channel on YouTube, McGilligan stated that because the forward doesn’t suit Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play, he should be allowed to leave – especially as he is also understood to be one of the club’s highest earners.

Should Leeds sell Rodrigo in the January transfer market?

Yes

Yes

No

No

He outlined his thinking, saying: “For me, it’s just not worked for him at Leeds United; it will not work for him at Leeds United. I don’t think he fits the system at all.”

He then went on to say: “From what I understand, he’s one of the highest earners, the top two earners, top three earners – which you’re looking £80,000 and above a week.

“It’s not just the transfer value, it’s the wage per week as well, which Leeds just simply have to get rid of.”

TIF Thoughts on Rodrigo and Leeds…

The Spaniard was signed from Valencia for a club-record €29m (£26m) in August 2020. Since then, it’s hard to say the forward has exactly set Yorkshire alight.

Indeed, he has played 44 times in all competitions for the club, scoring just nine goals – hardly the sort of return you would expect of a player who was brought in to be the key man.

The same report that linked him with Barcelona also claimed that Rodrigo has already asked coach Marcelo Bielsa to let him go and play for Barcelona.

If that is the case, the Leeds man could well leave his current side in the near future. Perhaps that would be best for player and club.

In other news: ‘This guy’s going under the radar’ – LUFC told to sign 22y/o who’d ‘fit and suit Bielsa’s needs’

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