AliousRodrigo’s footballing journey has taken another unexpected turn, as the former Leeds United striker finds himself on the move once again within the Qatar Stars League. This latest development adds another chapter to the career of a player who has experienced significant changes in recent years.
The Spanish forward’s time at Leeds United began with much fanfare in 2020, arriving from Valencia for a substantial £27 million fee. Over the course of three seasons, Rodrigo made 97 appearances for the Whites, netting 28 goals in the process. However, his tenure at Elland Road came to an end in July 2023, coinciding with Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League.
The circumstances surrounding Rodrigo’s departure from Leeds were initially shrouded in some mystery, with the financial details of his move to Qatar undisclosed at the time. His exit was primarily viewed through the lens of Leeds’ need to reduce their wage bill following relegation. However, subsequent revelations have cast Rodrigo’s final days at Leeds in a more poignant light.
Karl Robinson, a former Leeds coach, shared insights into Rodrigo’s dedication during the club’s struggle against relegation. According to Robinson, the striker played through considerable pain in a valiant attempt to help Leeds maintain their Premier League status. This display of commitment and self-sacrifice significantly elevated Rodrigo’s standing in Robinson’s eyes, with the coach describing the player’s efforts as “incredible.”
Rodrigo’s transition to Qatari football began promisingly. In his inaugural season in the Qatar Stars League, he demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting 12 goals in 21 appearances. Interestingly, his versatility was also on display, with a third of his playing time spent on the left wing, away from his preferred central striking position.
The 2024/25 season started on a high note for Rodrigo, as he was honored with the captain’s armband in a 3-1 victory over Umm Salal. He maintained his place in the starting lineup for the following match, despite a heavy 4-0 defeat against Al-Duhail. However, his consistent presence in the team was disrupted when he was absent from the squad in a subsequent game against Al-Gharafa.
Rodrigo’s unexplained absence extended to two Qatari Stars Cup fixtures, raising questions about his status within the team. These questions have now been answered with the surprising announcement that the 33-year-old has joined Al-Gharafa on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
This move sees Rodrigo joining a team currently sitting in fifth place in the 12-team Qatari top flight. Intriguingly, Al-Gharafa are positioned just three places and a single point above Rodrigo’s parent club, adding an element of competitiveness to the loan arrangement.
Al-Gharafa, under the management of Pedro Martins – a former Portuguese professional with one international cap to his name – have been active in the transfer market. Rodrigo’s arrival follows the loan signing of Matías Nani, an Argentine centre-back with youth experience at Roma. The squad already boasts some familiar names to European football fans, including fellow Spaniard Joselu, who recently moved from Real Madrid, and Romanian international Florinel Coman.
This latest move in Rodrigo’s career underscores the often unpredictable nature of football, particularly in the rapidly evolving landscape of Middle Eastern leagues. As he embarks on this new challenge with Al-Gharafa, it will be intriguing to see how the experienced forward adapts to his new surroundings and whether he can replicate the form that once made him a key player for both club and country.
Alious
