Leeds United turned down interest from Barcelona in Rodrigo last summer, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Rodrigo's Leeds struggles
The Spaniard joined the Whites in the summer of 2020, coming in as the most expensive signing in the club's rich and illustrious history.
However, Rodrigo has struggled to match the expectations of him when he arrived, scoring just nine goals in 45 appearances and finding himself in and out of the team because of injuries.
It has now emerged that the 30-year-old could actually have left Elland Road in last summer's transfer window.
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The Latest: Barca made summer move for Rodrigo
Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic prior to Saturday's 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United, Hay claimed that Barcelona tried to snap him Rodrigo on loan in 2021, only for Leeds to turn down their interest, and the journalist didn't completely rule out the notion that the La Liga giants remain keen.
Hay outlined: "Barca looked at him very late in the last window (loan bid) but Leeds said no. It doesn’t seem to have resurfaced yet but they clearly have, or had, an interest in him".
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The Verdict: Better to keep hold of him
While Rodrigo has been a disappointing signing overall, it is still better that Leeds have him in the squad than not, given the quality that he can offer. The Spain international has shown sporadic glimpses of his brilliance, including a last-gasp equaliser in a Man of the Match performance at home to Wolves earlier in the season.
Granted, Rodrigo needs to go up a gear if he is to become an unqualified success at Elland Road, especially given his age. However, with Patrick Bamford out injured and Leeds lacking any other potent centre-forward as they try to move clear of a relegation battle, it is crucial that the Spaniard is still around between now and the end of the season.
In other news, one rumoured Leeds transfer target could be available this summer. Find out who it is here.