Brighton & Hove Albion are looking to secure the signature of Valencia striker Rodrigo next summer. According to recent reports, the Seagulls are set to battle it out with Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of the La Liga ace’s signature when the summer transfer window opens at the end of the season.
Some sources in the Italian press has recently claimed that the Premier League trio are interested in recruiting the Spanish international this summer. However, it is believed that Rodrigo has a massive release clause of €120m (£105.4m) but Valencia are expecting offers in excess of €40m (£35m).
Rodrigo, who has already experienced Premier League football with Bolton Wanderers during his loan spell at the Greater Manchester club, would be a spectacular swoop for Brighton if they can pull it off. However, Valencia’s massive asking price would be a major stumbling block for the Seagulls in their pursuit of the Rio de Janeiro born player. The 27-year-old has put in some sensational displays for Valencia during the course of this season.
He has featured in 35 matches for the La Liga club this term, scoring 16 goals while creating 7 assists in all competitions so far. The Spaniard has also earned three international caps for Spain and has one goal to his name.
The Seagulls currently find themselves in 12th place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 34 points in 30 league matches. Chris Hughton is likely to be on the lookout for some attacking options in the summer transfer period with his side only managing to score 28 league goals so far in this campaign.
The addition of Rodrigo will undoubtedly strengthen Chris Hughton’s squad ahead of the new campaign. The Seagulls have the likes of Glenn Murray, Tomer Hemed, Jürgen Locadia and Leonardo Ulloa vying for a place in Hughton’s starting eleven so the potential signing of Rodrigo will definitely add more competition for places at the Amex Stadium.
The Spaniard is highly versatile and can play in a number of different positions across the frontline. He primarily operates a centre-forward but can also be deployed on the right flank which makes him a perfect fit for the Seagulls. However, the jury is still out whether the Spaniard can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of English football which will be a cause for concern.
It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Rodrigo and whether Brighton can pull off this remarkable transfer swoop in the summer.
