We all know that Leeds United tried tooth and nail to bring in Swansea City winger Daniel James to Elland Road last month. However, reports from Spanish media outlet El Desmarques suggests that the Whites also fought until the end to sign former Real Madrid winger Jese Rodriguez in January.
The two times Champions League winner is currently contracted to stay with Paris Saint Germain until 2021, but it is clear that the Spaniard would struggle to make into the French heavyweights’ lineup. The winger joined Real Betis on loan just days before the January transfer window got shut and is contracted to stay with them until the end of the ongoing season.
Leeds United completed two signings last month as they secured the services of Kiko Casilla and Mateusz Bogusz. However, the club desperately needed a winger, and they were heavily linked with James but failed to get the deal over the line.
Signing Jese would have been a massive statement from the Whites given the experience he has had from playing for some of the top clubs around. It’s true that the 25-year-old has gone off the boil in the last few years, but he would have been a useful asset in the Championship.
The Spaniard had a more than decent record while he represented Real Madrid as he made 94 appearances for them and managed 18 goals and 14 assists. Therefore we wouldn’t be wrong in saying that Jese would have been a more safe and proven option than Daniel James. However, the Whites ended up with neither of them, and it remains to be seen whether the club would look to do business in the summer for the Spanish winger after his loan spell with Real Betis expires.
A signing like that in January though could have been a massive coup for the club, and given the current situation, Jese would have made a significant impact in Bielsa’s first team. Traditionally a left winger, the Spaniard can even play on the right. The winger even has experience of leading the line for his previous sides as he is strong on the ball and that makes him a decent target man up front.
We believe the Whites should try their luck in the summer and try to lure him as there is no way that Jese is going to find a place in PSG’s star-studded lineup. Leeds United can move to the Premier League by then which could be an attractive proposition the 25-year-old star.
