Leeds United are close to signing Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno, who is expected to join the club for a fee of around £30 million.
The Whites were desperately in need of a striker, as they do not have the required depth following Jean-Kevin Augustin’s return to his parent club RB Leipzig.
Rodrigo is a proven goal-scorer, has good top-flight experience — having been an integral part of Valencia over the last five years — while also being a Spanish international. A quick dribbler and consistent goal-scorer, the Spaniard will be a very good addition to the Leeds United side.
Let’s take a look at how Leeds United could line up after they sign (h/t BBC) Rodrigo:
How Leeds United could line up with Rodrigo
Goalkeeper
20-year-old French goalkeeper Illan Meslier could start for Leeds United in the 2020-21 season, after he was given the opportunity last season after Kiko Casilla was handed a ban.
The 6’6″ goalkeeper did a good job between the sticks, and Marcelo Bielsa could play the youngster, who signed on a permanent deal last month.
Defence
Club captain Liam Cooper should play as one of the centre-backs next season, but we are still not sure who will play alongside him. Ben White has returned to Brighton, and they want to keep him at the club. The Whites will have to buy a new centre-back before the season begins, and have been linked with Freiburg’s Robin Koch.
Luke Ayling’ strongest position is at right-back, but considering Cooper does not have a partner yet, we could see the former alongside the skipper.
Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas are other options for Bielsa at left-back, but the latter is out injured, so he will be unavailable for a while. Stuart Dallas often played as a full-back, and can fill in at right-back.
Kalvin Phillips is also an option at centre-back, having played there several times under Bielsa last season.
Midfield
Phillips recently got a call-up to the England national team, is best used in the defensive midfield position.
Mateusz Klich should start ahead of him in midfield, while the experienced Pablo Hernandez will play in the attacking midfield role. Hernandez has prior Premier League experience, having played for Swansea City in the top-flight.
Attack
Hélder Costa, who signed a permanent deal with Leeds, should start on the right, while Jack Harrison -who has returned for another season on loan from Manchester City – should play on the left.
Rodrigo should start up top for Leeds United. Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts are other options for Bielsa upfront. The new signing could take a bit of time to get used to his surroundings in the Premier League, but he could be an important player for the club when he finds his rhythm.
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