English club’s DoF discusses Rodrigo De Paul’s future, amid Leeds United links

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Watford’s director of football Cristiano Giaretta has told Italian website TuttoMercatoWeb that Rodrigo De Paul could leave Udinese in the summer – as Leeds continue to be linked with the Argentine, after failing to nab him last summer.

Victor Orta confirmed in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post last summer that Leeds had been priced out of a move for the 26-year-old Udinese ace, even though De Paul Tweeted a Leeds fan stating he wanted to join the Whites.

As recently as January, The Sun claimed Leeds were interested in De Paul but faced competition in the £40million-rated midfielder from both Liverpool and Inter Milan. He has starred again this season, scoring five from central midfield.

Watford and Udinese have close ties given son Gino Pozzo owns the Hornets – and father Giampaolo owns Udinese. But Giaretta, who joined Watford as DoF last summer, has claimed that De Paul could be allowed to go in the summer.

“He is a captain on and off the pitch and for me he is even among the strongest players in the world. We’ll see what will come in the summer: certainly in front of certain requests, you can’t ignore it, but for now he’s concentrating on Udinese,” Giaretta said.

TBR’s view – Could Leeds sign De Paul this summer?

Udinese’s asking price is hardly going to change. They are under no pressure to sell the Argentina international, given his contract at Udinese is set to expire in 2024. Leeds will have to meet his asking price, or move on.

Will Leeds spend that much on a player? If Bielsa, Orta and Andrea Radrizzani are all in agreement then there is a chance. Radrizzani now has more backing from the San Francisco 49ers, and the financial gain of a year in the Premier League.

If Leeds are to pursue De Paul this summer, they will be much more financially better off to meet his asking price.