Rodrigo is out of contract at the end of next season and Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that he is starting to think that Leeds United should look to hand the Spaniard a new deal – and keep him at the club beyond June 2024.
Rodrigo, 32, scored his 13th goal of the season on Saturday after coming off the bench. Only his second game back since undergoing an operation, the Spain star raced through on goal after Crysencio Summerville won the ball back.
A neat pass saw Rodrigo produce a perfect first touch to go past the defender, then a neat second touch – before scooping the ball over Jose Sa to score his side’s fourth. Leeds have gone from 19th, to a lofty 14th in the table.
The ex-Valencia star will see the four-year deal he signed in the summer of 2020, as Leeds returned to the Premier League, end in June 2024. But Athletic reporter Hay is starting to think the striker perhaps deserves a new deal.
“Quality finish. Rodrigo to my mind, he’s got a year left next season. Having thought for two years, I don’t really think this is working – I’m starting to think you might want to keep him beyond that if he carries on playing like this.”
Phil Hay starting to think Leeds should hand Rodrigo a new deal
The priorities in terms of new deals for the Leeds board should be Robin Koch and Jack Harrison. Both will see their deals expire in June 2024. Given they are 26, not even in their prime, Leeds need to get both players tied down.
In terms of Rodrigo, he has been arguably our most in-form player this season. It is rare for a club down the bottom of the table to have a player with 13 goals in 24 games. If it continues until the summer, a year’s extension is key.
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