Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in Leeds United’s club-record signig Rodrigo Moreno. Instantly, that throws a shiver down a spine as the January transfer window approaches – but delving into the potential move a bit more, it is unlikely that the Spain international will return to his home country so soon after leaving it.
Rodrigo, 29, has been in decent form despite numerous interruptions so far. He is not playing in his preferred position due to the form of Patrick Bamford, but has still managed to score three times form attacking midfield. TuttoNapoli claim he is interesting Diego Simeone, who wants a new striker in January to replace the loss of Diego Costa.
Here are three reasons why Rodrigo is likely to stay at Leeds:
Summer signing and his age
Rodrigo is 29. When Leeds signed the former Bolton ace in the summer, many questioned why such a big outlay was being spent on a player who will turn 30 in March. But having watched him play, it is clear that Leeds have nabbed themselves a bit of a bargain – even if Rodrigo does begin to detriorate as he enters his thirties.
It is a mixture of price and age that will put Atleti off. Signed for £27million, Atleti would have to increase that figure somewhat to sign him – especially in January. Will they spend north of £30million on a player who will be 30 in three months time? Not many clubs would do that, let alone a side that are notorious for spending big in the transfer market.
Arkadiusz Milik and others
The report states that Rodrigo is one of four strikers. The main contender to replace Costa is that of Mateusz Klich’s national teammate Arkadiusz Milik, who has been linked all over the place in the last six months – as he remains on the fringes at Napoli. Yet to play this season for Napoli, he would be the obvious addition and a much easier transfer.
The report also claims Espanyol’s Raul De Tomas and Real Betis hitman Loren Moron have been linked. Both players would remain in the Spain, making a move much easier to secure. All three are easier and more approachable deals to achieve, than signing Rodrigo from Leeds given he only joined in the summer.
Atletico’s current options
Rodrigo is currently at a pivotal stage in his career. At 29, he wants to be playing regular football and with Euro 2021 around the corner, guaranteed game time is an absolute necessity. So, joining an Atleti side with enormous firepower – even after the loss of Costa – is an unwise move.
Simeone boasts Uruguayan superstar Luis Suarez at his disposal following his summer move from Barcelona. Joao Felix has also been in good form, while Angel Correa is used off the bench. Costa was afforded just two starts in La Liga before being released – does Rodrigo really want to waste guaranteed football under Marcelo Bielsa for that? Surely not.
