Former Leeds United striker once valued at £27m lands surprise loan move

Former Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno has completed a surprise loan move, just one-year after leaving Elland Road.

The Spanish international completed a move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan following the Whites relegation from the Premier League, but will join their rivals Al-Gharafa on loan, despite scoring 12 goals in 23 appearances last season.

Rodrigo was one of very few bright sparks during the 2022/23 relegation campaign, with 15 goals in all competitions for the Whites. The Spanish international became the club's record signing in 2020, joining Marcelo Bielsa's side from Valencia for a reported £27million fee.

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It took the Real Madrid academy graduate some time to settle in at Elland Road, but became a key member of their Premier League squad. Unfortunately for Leeds, his goals weren't enough to keep them in the top flight as they were relegated following a 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the 2022/23 season.

His move to Qatar brought an end to a three-year stay with the Whites. At the time of his departure, Rodrigo said: "“The time to say goodbye to three wonderful years in Leeds has arrived. For me it is really difficult to find to right words to try to explain all my feelings now.

“All I have to say is that I have lived very special moments in this great club, both personally and professionally, which I will never forget. I feel very grateful for the care and love that my family and myself have felt from the first moment either from the fans and all the amazing people that work in the club.

“Now it's time for a new chapter in my football career and in my life, but I will always carry Leeds United and the city of Leeds in my heart. Thank you so much for everything and, forever and ever, MOT!”