Journalist James Marshment believes that Leeds may be interested in offloading Rodrigo if a suitable offer came in this summer.
The Whites forked out £26m to bring the centre-forward to Elland Road from Valencia ahead of their return to the English top-flight in 2020.
However, the club-record signing has only managed to get going in fits and starts in Yorkshire, scoring 13 goals and producing a further three assists in 57 Premier League outings.
With the emergence of Joe Gelhardt into the first-team fold and a new five-year contract being mooted, as well as the signing of 18-year-old striker Sonny Perkins, Leeds clearly have their eyes on the future, and at 31, Marshment feels that Rodrigo may be expendable and let go by the Whites.
Speaking on the JustJoe Football Show, he said: “It’s such a difficult situation because we paid £27m for him two years ago and we’re not going to get anything near that now if we sell him.
“He’s got two years left on his deal. We’ve seen flashes of what he’s about, but never anything consistent.
“I think his first year at Leeds was better than his second. I was massively disappointed with him last year.
“He’s a hard-working lad, he wants to do well for Leeds, but for whatever reason, it has just not clicked and I would think if Leeds were offered a sizeable fee for him – and I’m talking £8-10m – I think there’s half a chance, or a good chance Leeds could sell him.”
TIF Thoughts on Rodrigo and Leeds…
Should Leeds sell Rodrigo?
Yes
No
The 27-cap Spain ace had burst onto the international stage prior to his arrival at Elland Road but has rarely featured for his country since, and in a World Cup year, that could be an issue.
Compared to other forwards in Europe over the past year, he ranks in the lowest percentile for non-penalty expected goals and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 mins, while also among the bottom 12% of forwards for assists per 90, and the 8th percentile for total shots per game (as per FBref).
Given his previous in La Liga and his record arrival, it has proved to be a disappointing move for the Spaniard and could be considered a surprise that he is being tipped to potentially move on so soon – while he is not even the only Leeds attacker being linked with an exit.
And with competition for places, he may be thinking about his chances of making it to the World Cup, but for now, it does seem as if he will stay with Jesse Marsch’s men, with two years left on his current deal.