£11m Wasted: Farke Must Sell Leeds Man Who Earns More Than Joseph & Piroe
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke faces a difficult decision regarding the future of one of the club’s most expensive flops. With reports suggesting that an £11m outlay on a high-earning player is proving to be a waste, it has become increasingly clear that moving him on could be the most prudent decision for both the player and the club. The player in question? Spanish forward Rodrigo Moreno.
Rodrigo, who signed for Leeds from Valencia in 2020 for a then-club record fee, was seen as a marquee signing to help the club establish itself in the Premier League after years of absence. However, despite showing flashes of quality, the 33-year-old has struggled with form and injuries, failing to live up to his price tag and hefty wage packet. Now, as Leeds rebuilds in the Championship, Farke is under pressure to reassess the squad, and selling Rodrigo might be necessary to make room for more efficient options.
One of the key factors driving the argument for Rodrigo’s sale is the stark contrast in his wages compared to his contributions on the pitch. According to reports, Rodrigo earns significantly more than rising talents such as Mateo Joseph and the club’s new goal machine, Joel Piroe. Joseph, a promising young forward, and Piroe, who was signed from Swansea this summer, have both shown more impact and consistency in Leeds’ attacking line, despite being on much lower wages than Rodrigo.
Piroe, in particular, has hit the ground running at Elland Road, already making a case for being one of the best signings of the summer with his goal-scoring ability. The Dutchman’s impressive start, combined with Joseph’s potential, raises questions about whether Rodrigo’s wage demands are justifiable in a squad that now has younger, hungrier, and more affordable options leading the line.
From a tactical perspective, Farke’s style of football demands forwards who can press relentlessly, link up play, and provide energy across 90 minutes. Rodrigo’s physical limitations, especially as he enters the twilight of his career, make him less suited to this role compared to younger alternatives like Piroe and Joseph, who can play with intensity and flair. While Rodrigo does possess technical quality and experience, these assets no longer seem to justify his wage burden or his place in the squad.
Farke has already made it clear that he is building a squad for the future, and with Leeds still adapting to life in the Championship, it’s essential that they streamline the team and offload players who don’t fit this long-term vision. Moving Rodrigo on would free up valuable resources that could be reinvested in areas of the squad that need strengthening.
Rodrigo’s £11m transfer, along with his substantial wages, now looks like an expensive mistake for Leeds, particularly as the club fights for promotion back to the Premier League. Selling him would not only allow the club to recover some of their investment but also reduce the financial strain on the wage bill.
It’s not just about the money either; it’s about optimizing squad harmony and giving more game time to players who are hungry to prove themselves. Joseph and Piroe represent the future of Leeds’ attack, and with both players already showing promise, it seems illogical to continue relying on an expensive and underperforming option in Rodrigo.
Ultimately, Daniel Farke’s priority is to guide Leeds back to the Premier League, and difficult decisions must be made along the way. Rodrigo’s wages, compared to the contributions of Piroe and Joseph, make it increasingly hard to justify keeping him around.
Selling Rodrigo now, even for a reduced fee, could be the right move to release much-needed funds, refocus the squad, and give Farke the flexibility to invest in areas where Leeds need to improve. It might be the most difficult decision of Farke’s tenure so far, but it’s one that could prove essential as Leeds looks to rebuild efficiently and sustainably for a promotion push.
The £11m spent on Rodrigo may go down as a costly mistake, but moving him on could prevent further losses and help Leeds redirect their resources towards the players who are driving their push for success.
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