Two suitors emerge amid claims big-money Leeds signing wants out
Leeds face a potential problem with their record signing Rodrigo Moreno reportedly unsettled at Elland Road and seeking a move back to Spain.
The Spain striker signed in a £27.1m deal from Valencia this summer and has endured an indifferent first season at Elland Road. At his best, Rodrigo has been an excellent addition to the side. However, a series of injuries – as well as a lay-off with the coronvirus – have curtailed his game-time.
That led to Marcelo Bielsa launching a strong defence of the star after another niggle saw him ruled out of the win at Fulham.
However, Fichajes claims there is a deeper-rooted issue that Rodrigo is facing, with the player struggling to settle into life in Yorkshire. They claim Rodrigo ‘never wanted to leave Spain in the first place’ and is now seeking a route back to La Liga.
They claim concerns over his form have also led the 30-year-old to become concerned over his place in the Spain squad. His lack of fitness meant he was overlooked by Luis Enrique in their latest squad. And now it’s claimed the forward fears for his place in their European Championship squad this summer. Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno both now look to be ahead of Rodrigo in Enrique’s thinking.
Indeed, just three goals in 23 appearances for United haven’t been a great return. Rodrigo has though been asked to played in a deeper role in order to accommodate Patrick Bamford. Nonetheless, his record in front of goal has perhaps fallen a little short of what was expected.
As such, Fijaches claims both Real Betis and Sevilla are ready to make contact with Leeds over a return to Spain for the striker. They also claim Leeds are likely to take a financial hit on their initial investment.
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Bielsa backing for Rodrigo
Despite that, Bielsa has hinted that Rodrigo, when 100% fit, is one of the first names on his teamsheet.
“He becomes a starter when he’s in a good state of form. When he has been without playing for over a month his return is not instant. We have seen what he is a capable of. He is a great striker that when he finds his best form.”
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Bielsa added: “To explain exactly, Rodrigo arrived at the start of the competition with no pre-season for us,” Bielsa said. “It took him four weeks to become a starter and after playing his best game, which was against Aston Villa, then he became sick. He was ill for 20 days, then after that to get back to his best state took him a month.
“He played 10-12 games at a medium to high level then picked up that injury which he was out for five weeks with.
“And perhaps this segment where he didn’t play for 40 days was too quick [with his return].
“He’s a player that gets his best physcial state by gradually increasing the minutes.”
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