Phil Hay pulls no punches in assessing Rodrigo failure as he turns Leeds relegation heat on three men

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani and his board will have serious questions to answer this summer, with the signing of Rodrigo just one of several failures the club has overseen.

The Yorkshire side made an excellent return to the top flight after a 16-year absence last season, finishing ninth and earning widespread acclaim for their football. But their second season has been a totally different story and the club has two games left to ensure their survival.

Leeds face Brighton on Sunday and Brentford on the final day knowing even two wins might not be enough to survive. Currently sat in the relegation places, Jesse Marsch knows exactly what is at stake in their final matches.

And having lost their last three games and losing a raft of players to injury and suspension, the odds are stacked against Leeds. Even if they did pull off survival, Radrizzani, director of football, Victor Orta, and chief executive Angus Kinnear have overseen a diabolical campaign.

Their failure to strengthen the squad in January amid a crippling injury crisis will leave them facing some tough questions.

In addition, the way Leeds have invested their money has not produced the results expected.

In a discussion on The Athletic on Leeds’ plight, Hay reserved particular condemnation for Rodrigo.

The Spain forward was signed in a club-record £27m deal from Valencia in summer 2020. And while he played well in fits and starts last season, he has badly struggled in his second season at Elland Road.

Now Hay has turned the heat on Rodrigo and questioned what he brings to Leeds United.

“My criticism more and more is that the impact of that investment just hasn’t been felt. Not enough of their signings have made a difference,” he said.

“Even on