Leeds ropes in Rodrigo from Valencia

Leeds United has boosted its attack ahead of its Premier League return by signing Spanish forward Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia.

A wide player who attacks down the right wing, Rodrigo Moreno can link the forward line and is particularly effective on the counterattack.

Leeds United has agreed to sign Spain forward Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia ahead of its return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, the Spanish side said on Tuesday.

The club's statement did not mention a transfer fee or how long the contract at Leeds would be, although reports in the Spanish media said the English club would pay Valencia around 30 million euros plus 10 million in variables.

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“Valencia have reached an agreement in principle with Leeds United for the transfer of Rodrigo, subject to the player passing a medical and all documentation and formalities being completed,” said the La Liga side.

Known by his first name Rodrigo, he scored 59 goals in 220 games for Valencia. He is the latest high-profile player to leave after captain Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin left for rival Villarreal this month, sparking fresh protests against owner Peter Lim.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: https://t.co/kwQ9Oj3GiX

Valencia CF have reached a preliminary agreement with @LUFC this Tuesday for the transfer of footballer Rodrigo Moreno, at the expense of completing all the documentation and other formalities and passing the medical examination.

— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) August 25, 2020

 

Rodrigo, 29, who spent time in the youth academies of Flamengo and Real Madrid before becoming a star at Benfica and then Valencia, is already well versed in English football, having appeared 17 times in the Premier League with Bolton while on loan from Benfica in the 2010/11 season.

“England was good to me. You go to England, you know the physical demands you've got no choice but to adapt and that makes you grow,” he had told The Guardian in 2018.

“Working there daily helped. I was involved, it was my first senior season and I learned a lot,” he had said.

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A wide player who attacks down the right wing, Rodrigo can link the forward line and is particularly effective on the counterattack.

His qualities have made him the favoured forward of Spain coach Luis Enrique and predecessor Robert Moreno. He has repaid their faith by scoring six goals in his last nine starts for his country.

He scored only seven goals in all competitions last season amid injuries and turmoil at Valencia, which sacked popular manager Marcelino in September and eventually finished ninth.

The 2017/18 season was his best in front of goal, scoring 16 in La Liga. He also hit decisive goals against Ajax Amsterdam and Chelsea last year as Valencia reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and netted in the 2-1 win over Barcelona in the 2019 Copa del Rey final.