Leeds United have announced the signing of Spanish international Rodrigo from Valencia CF. Sky Sports have reported that the fee is around £30 million and is on a contract that will run until 2024.
The newly-promoted Premier League club have made their seventh summer signing with the arrival of Rodrigo. He arrives for his second spell in England’s top tier after he spent a season on-loan at Bolton Wanderers 10 years ago.
Rodrigo Joins Leeds United for Club Record Fee
Statement of Intent by Leeds United
Rodrigo becomes Marcelo Bielsa’s first major signing this window as his Leeds side prepare for life in the Premier League. The signing shows that the Whites have set their sights high for the 2020/21 campaign, and it will give fans plenty of hope.
This will be Leeds’ first season back in the Premier League and although survival will be difficult enough, signings of this stature will certainly get Leeds fans dreaming of a higher finish.
Latest Player to Leave Valencia
Rodrigo becomes the latest player to leave Valencia as the club continues to struggle financially. A ninth-placed finish in 2019/20, coupled with the on-going pandemic, has hit Valencia particularly hard. Subsequently, Los Che are in need of cutting their wage bill by 40%.
Midfield duo Francis Coquelin and Dani Parejo have both joined Villareal, whilst winger Fernan Torres departed for Manchester City earlier this month. In an unfortunate and uncontrollable situation at the club, Rodrigo has become the fourth crucial player to leave.
Need to Address Defensive Situation
For much of the summer, Leeds have focused on bringing Ben White back to Elland Road. However, Brighton & Hove Albion are eager to keep the young centre-back ahead of this season.
With their current squad, right-back Luke Ayling or holding midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, would be most likely to partner captain Liam Cooper at the heart of defence.
Earlier on in the transfer window, the Whites showed an interest in Arsenal’s Rob Holding. However, it has recently emerged that Leeds were keen on signing Freiburg’s Robin Koch. The 24-year-old is valued at £9 million but could cost the Yorkshire side more in add-ons.
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