Leeds United

Leeds United: Conor McGilligan expects new contract to be handed to Rodrigo

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Image for Leeds United: Conor McGilligan expects new contract to be handed to Rodrigo

Presenter Conor McGilligan has stated that he expects Leeds United to hand out a new contract to forward Rodrigo despite him being a ‘depreciating asset’ due to his age.

Shortly before Christmas, the Whites announced that Spanish defender Diego Llorente had signed a new contract at the club. He agreed to a three-and-a-half-year extension that runs until the summer of 2026.

However, the centre-back isn’t a regular in the team, having started just once in the Premier League since October, while is 29 years of age, so will be well into his 30s by the time his deal comes to an end.

While talking about new contracts on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan suggested that Rodgrio is probably next in line for a new deal due to his current form.

Even so, he questioned the wisdom of any possible extension seeing as the Leeds striker will be 32 at the end of the season.

He explained: “Rodrigo’s doing okay at the minute. Can he do it sustainably? I don’t think so. Do I think he’s a great player in this system? I don’t think so. Is there many other strikers above him? 100% – who I’d go and get this January.

“He’s another depreciating asset in terms of him being 31, 32, who they’re probably going to give a new contract to.”

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TIF Thoughts on Rodrigo and Leeds…

Unlike Llorente, Rodrigo has at least been starting regularly for the Whites recently. Indeed, he has scored nine goals in 13 league games this term and has been in fine form of late.

However, this may just be a purple patch as he has never delivered at such a rate during his time in England. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why McGilligan has his doubts about the player’s quality.

As per Transfermarkt, the Spaniard will see his current deal expire in the summer of 2024, so Leeds may soon have to make a big decision about his future. Indeed, if they want to get any money for him, they may have to sell this summer, but if they have faith in his value to the team, we could expect to see a new contract offer tabled in the near future.

Would you hand Rodrigo a new contract at Leeds?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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