Leeds break the bank to sign £30m super Spaniard
Leeds United have signed Rodrigo from Valencia for a club-record fee.
The f o r w a rd has penned a four- year deal at Elland Road, and has reportedly cost Leeds around £30-million.
The 29-year-old moves to the Yorkshire club ahead of their return to the Premier League next month.
“I’m really excited and very happy to join the club in this important season for all of us,” said Rodrigo.
“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, the director of football talked to me about the move, I knew I wanted this new challenge with Leeds.
“In Marcelo Bielsa, I will be working with one of the best coaches in football.
“He has done important things at different clubs, and I’m excited to learn.”
Rodrigo spent time at Celtavigo and Real Madrid as a youngster before moving to Portuguese giants, Benfica.
He netted 27 times in 67 games, and was a losing finalist in the Europa League in 2013 and 2014 before joining Valencia.
In his six seasons with the Spanish club, Rodrigo scored 59 goals in 220 appearances, and won the Copa del Rey in 2019.
He previously spent the 2010- 11 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, making 21 appearances and scoring once.
Rodrigo was born in Brazil, but is a Spain international. He has played for the country 22 times, scoring eight goals.
He netted 10 goals for club and country in 38 games last season, including the winner in Valencia’s 1-0 Champions League win against C h e ls e a at Stamf ord Bridge last September.
Reading have appointed former Atletico Madrid forward Veljko Paunovic as their new manager.
The 43-year-old replaces Mark Bowen, who is due to return to his role as director of football at the Royals.
Paunovic has been out of work since leaving MLS side, Chicago Fire, in November after four years at the club.
Reading owner, Dai Yo n g g e, said: “I am confident Veljko can help take this club forward.
“This has been a pr o c e s s a nd this appointment has been made only after long, careful consideration.”
Paunovic started his p l a y i ng care e r w i t h Partizan Belgrade, and moved to Spain with Marbella before having two spells at Atletico while he also played for Hannover and Getafe.
He has also previously managed Serbia’s Under20 side and earned two senior caps.
Reading finished 14th in the Championship last season.