Ricardo Rodriguez has become one of the most sought-after fullbacks in Europe this summer, with top European sides FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal FC, and Manchester United vying for his signature.
Rodriquez was an important member of the Switzerland’s Euro 2016 squad, as he contributed to both attack and defence from his fullback position. Not only did he make 3.8 tackles per game in the competition, but he also played an average of 2.3 key passes per match.
The 23-year-old’s contract with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg had a €35 million release clause. But, since the club failed to qualify for the upcoming season’s Champions League, his release clause was pushed down to €25 million, making him a reasonable bid for the clubs looking to sign him.
However, a report in Spanish newspaper AS claims that the €25 million release clause expired on June 30th, a window that the clubs pursuing Rodriguez’s signature have missed. Due to the expiration of the release clause, Wolfsburg can now demand a higher price for the much sought after fullback.
The AS report also claimed that Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all looking to improve their options at left back, and are leading to race to sign the 23-year-old. However, English newspaper Daily Mail are now stating that Barcelona, who were said to be pursing Manchester United fullback Matteo Darmian, have also shown interest in Rodriguez.
Which teams would really benefit from signing Rodriguez?
Rodriguez is considered as one of the best young left-backs in Europe at the moment, and he should be an improvement for most teams that would sign him. However, the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona already have a settled left-back, and it seems unlikely that the Swiss international will be a first choice at the two La Liga clubs.
However, the situation is completely the opposite at both Manchester United and Arsenal, right now. Marcos Rojo was forced to play left back most of the season at Manchester United, and the Argentina international remained as unconvincing as ever in that position.
At Arsenal, Nacho Monreal has been playing well at the left back position, but the Spaniard is 30-years-old now, which means that the Gunners might be out in the market looking for a long term option for their left fullback position. Furthermore, the fact that Kieran Gibbs has failed to establish himself as a regular starter will also increase the Gunners’s urgency to sign a new left back.
While Rodriguez is likely to go straight into the starting lineups of the two Premier League clubs, it seems unlikely that the Swiss international will move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona. The La Liga sides have the likes of Marcelo and Jordi Alba in their squads, and it is unlikely that Rodriguez will replace them. One advantage that the 23-year-old has over Marcelo, Alba, and Monreal is that he is a set piece specialist, and provides a huge threat from the dead ball situations.
