Rodrigo could be frozen out at Leeds United after confirmed news – Whelan
Brenden Aaronson’s arrival at Leeds United could spell the end for Rodrigo in a “number 10” role, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 31-year-old “has not done enough” to be ahead of the new boy going into next term.
Leeds confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Aaronson, 21, from RB Leipzig last week (May 26) – the Yorkshire club’s first senior signing of the summer.
Spain international Rodrigo alternated between the number 10 berth and an out-an-out striker role during the 2021-22 campaign.
The former Valencia man notched six goals and one assist in 27 Premier League starts as Leeds United narrowly avoided relegation.
Whelan suggested the likes of Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich now have “their work cut out” to restore themselves to the lineup following Aaronson’s arrival.
“He’s not done enough to stay in that number 10 role, for me,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“It’s such a crucial spot. We’ve seen some poor performances from Rodrigo this season, he’s had injuries, he’s been in and out of the side.
“He had a purple patch when Jesse Marsch came in. But he was back to being quite poor towards the end of the season.
“Leeds United have gone into the window to bring in a natural number 10. That’ll put pressure on players like Klich and Rodrigo.
“From what I’ve seen of Aaronson – there’s plenty to admire. The rest have got their work cut out.”
Rodrigo cost Leeds United a reported club-record fee of £27m in August 2020.
Aaronson will reportedly cost the Whites £22.2million when he joins on 1 July.
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