Spanish forward Rodrigo has bid farewell to Leeds United as he joins Qatari club Al Rayyan for an undisclosed fee. The 32-year-old arrived at Leeds from Valencia in 2020 for £26million and emerged as the club’s top scorer last season with 15 goals.
Al Rayyan, Qatar’s QNB Stars League side, activated a release clause in Rodrigo’s contract, who had one year remaining at Elland Road. During his time at Leeds, Rodrigo made 97 appearances and found the back of the net 28 times. Although he played a part in Spain’s Nations League victory over Croatia in June, he remained an unused substitute during the final.
Rodrigo now joins the ranks of other players to leave Leeds, including American midfielder Brendan Aaronson, and defenders Diego Llorente and Robin Koch. Aaronsson, 22, has secured a move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin, while Llorente, 29, has returned to Italian side Roma. The 26-year-old coach has also opted for a loan move within the Bundesliga, joining Eintracht Frankfurt.
Amidst these departures, Leeds recently introduced former Norwich City manager Daniel Farke as their new head coach. Farke has committed to a four-year deal with the club, as Leeds aim to return to the Premier League after being relegated to the Championship.
Rodrigo’s transfer marks a significant change for both the player and Leeds United, as they begin new chapters in their respective football journeys.
