Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United will have to sell Rodrigo in the summer if the club are relegated from the Premier League – because the striker is too expensive to keep in the Championship.
Brazil-born Rodrigo, 32, has been sensational for Leeds this season. Either side of surgery on his ankle, the Spain star has clocked up 13 goals in 25 league and cup games. He was only a substitute against Arsenal on Saturday.
It is reported that Rodrigo is our top earner, pocketing £100,000 a week. His current deal lasts until the summer of 2024, having penned a four-year contract in the summer of 2020 following our promotion to the Premier League.
If Leeds stay up, which remains in our hands, then it could be that he is handed a new deal. Phil Hay has suggested as much. But if we go down, O’Rourke reports that Leeds will have to sell – as they cannot afford to keep him.
“If they suffer relegation, I can’t see Leeds being able to afford his deal in the Championship. Considering how well he has performed, I’m sure there’ll be a number of clubs ready to take him this summer if they do suffer relegation.”
O’Rourke says Leeds will have to sell Rodrigo if the club are relegated
Rodrigo has been superb for Leeds this season and it would be a real blow if the club are forced to let him go. But, in the eventuality of relegation, then it is obvious – Leeds will not be extending his stay at Elland Road this summer.
If that is the case, then we will have to sell Rodrigo. We will not want to lose him on a free transfer, meaning this summer would be the last opportunity to bring in a decent fee for his services. It all depends on potential relegation.
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