According to a recent report by Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are willing to sell Oscar Rodriguez, who is currently in the final months of his loan spell at Leganes, for €20m during the summer transfer window. The same source has also added that all signs point towards the Spanish playmaker parting ways with Los Blancos this summer with Schalke 04, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Lazio prepared to battle it out for his signature. It is believed that the La Liga giants are planning to include a buy-back clause if they end up cashing in on the promising playmaker in this off-season (via Mundo Deportivo).
Rodriguez’s Impressive Loan Spell At Leganes
Rodriguez has enjoyed a fruitful season at the Estadio Municipal Butarque after putting in a series of goal-scoring displays as a part of Javier Aguirre’s attack. He has scored seven goals and grabbed two assists in 28 matches for the Spanish outfit this term across multiple competitions which sheds light on how much he has matured as a footballer over the past nine months.
The 21-year-old has averaged 1.9 shots, 0.9 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per game in the La Liga this season. However, he can be a bit sloppy with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 72.6% in league football so far (stats via whoscored).
The talented playmaker has also represented Spain at various youth levels and is currently playing an integral role for his country’s Under-21 side having netted one goal in four appearances for them thus far. Maybe a permanent switch away from the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium could provide him with a bigger platform to showcase his skills and secure a senior call-up from Spain boss Luis Enrique in the coming years.
What Does The Spanish Whizkid Bring To The Table?
Rodriguez is a technically gifted playmaker who can complete some dangerous dribbles in the opposition half using his composure and close control of the ball. He is also a set-piece specialist as he can curve the ball into the opposition net. However, the Spaniard needs to improve his creative attributes if he intends to become a top player in his position someday. The on-loan Leganes prospect is still quite a raw talent and would need time to develop his overall game.
Is Zidane Making The Right Call By Cashing In On Oscar Rodriguez This Summer?
Therefore, it is no surprise that Zinedine Zidane is willing to ship him out as Rodriguez is currently not ready to feature for Los Blancos week in week out. It could prove to be a shrewd call by the Madrid outfit to include a repurchase option if they decide to sell him this summer. Zidane would be wise to do so as it will give his team a chance to bring the Spaniard back should he manage to grow into a world-class attacker someday.
At the moment, Real Madrid have got Isco, Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Marco Asensio vying for one of the attacking midfield positions, so there is no need for them to retain the services of Rodriguez, who is yet to fulfil his true potential, beyond this summer. With all things considered, Zidane will be making the correct call if he can arrange a new home for the Spanish whizkid while also including a buy-back option in the process.
