Leeds break transfer record to sign Valencia forward Rodrigo
Leeds United have signed Valencia forward Rodrigo for a club-record £30 million fee.
The Spanish international becomes Leeds’ sixth summer signing, following the likes of Helder Costa and Illan Meslier.
Rodrigo has signed a four-year deal with the club and will provide Patrick Bamford with competition up front.
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Speaking about his move, the player said: “I’m really excited and very happy to join the club in this important season for all of us.
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“It’s a new step in my career and I want to help the team to achieve the goals of the season. Leeds have been working for two weeks on this deal with Valencia, we knew Valencia have some problems now as we didn’t achieve the Champions League.
“Since the first time Victor [Orta] talked to me I knew I wanted this new challenge with Leeds. I will be working with one of the best coaches in football, he has done important things in different clubs and I’m excited to learn.”
Rodrigo made 13 goal contributions in 27 La Liga appearances during the most recent season. He will now help the Yorkshire club in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
The £30 million fee officially breaks their previous transfer record, which was the £18 million they paid West Ham for defender Rio Ferdinand back in 2000.
The signing is a promising one for the Whites and shows their intent for the upcoming season.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping to make an impact on their return to the top flight following a 16 year absence.
This latest signing takes their total summer spending to £51.9 million, which is more than Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.
Rodrigo played for Real Madrid’s B side, Benfica and Bolton before signing for Valencia in 2015.
He is the latest player to leave Valencia as they continue their summer overhaul.
Ferran Torres has signed for Man City, while midfielders Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin have joined local rivals Villareal.