According to Fichajes, as cited by Leeds Live, Rodrigo is currently unhappy at Elland Road after joining Leeds United last summer. The Spaniard has found it difficult to settle into life in England, which has put Sevilla and Real Betis on red alert. Rodrigo himself appears to be keen on a move away from Yorkshire, and find a “better club” as he eyes a place in the Spain squad for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Here, at the 4th Official, we will take a look at three players who could potentially replace the Spanish international at Elland Road next season.
Yusuf Demir
Yusuf Demir is currently being regarded as one of the rising stars in Austrian football, having enjoyed a sharp rise to prominence at Rapid Vienna in the ongoing campaign.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Demir is young and talented, as he has the ability to not only create chances but also act as a ball-carrier in the final third. It should make him a more effective cog in Leeds United’s approach play, knowing the fact that a number ten can slot into Marcelo Bielsa’s setup much easier than someone like Rodrigo.
One major issue, though, could be the lack of experience Demir has at the highest level of football. At the age of just 17, the Austrian could indeed find it difficult to live up to the expectations in the Premier League.
However, with Tyler Roberts slowly improving, Demir should serve as an ideal alternative and a long-term prospect for the club.
Lovro Majer
Lovro Majer is another highly rated playmaker who is plying his trade in these lower European leagues at the moment.
A product of the Dinamo Zagreb youth academy, the 23-year-old, though not as young as Demir, has immense potential due to his effortless movements and the ability to work around tight spaces. It was on full display during the Europa League knockout round fixture against Tottenham Hotspur, with Majer starring in that famous comeback victory.
Majer has been playing at Dinamo Zagreb for quite some time now, and shouldn’t attract as much attention as Demir. Hence, the Croat could be an ideal option to replace Rodrigo next season.
Romano Schmid
Leeds United’s acquisition of Robin Koch showcased the club’s willingness to unearth hidden talents in the Bundesliga. As we head towards the summer transfer window, one such player they could keep an eye on during the remainder of the campaign is Romano Schmid of Werder Bremen.
The young playmaker has enjoyed his Bundesliga breakthrough under Florian Kohfeldt this season. In fact, he has become a vital creative outlet for the north German giants since the turn of the year, having already made 17 league appearances so far.
Much like Rodrigo, Schmid is quite a versatile player as he can operate not only as a number ten but also as a right-winger as well as a secondary striker. It should make him a tailor-made replacement for the Spaniard, although Leeds United’s pursuit of the youngster could largely depend on where Werder Bremen finish come the end of the season.
