Everton may have strengthened their attack this summer with Moise Kean from Juventus, but Goal Spain (h/t Sport Witness) say the 19-year-old wasn’t the only player on their radar. Everton were interested in Rodrigo and submitted an offer to Valencia for his signature, but the 28-year-old wasn’t keen on a move to Goodison Park.
Napoli were also interested in Rodrigo, but Goal Spain say the Spanish international turned both clubs down as he didn’t deem them to be better than Valencia. He’s been an outstanding servant for Los Che, scoring (52) and creating (30) 82 goals in 186 appearances in all competitions, so it’s not hard to see why there was interest in Europe.
Last season, Rodrigo contributed 14 goals in 33 Liga games, four in five Europa League outings and six in seven Copa Del Rey matches. He also made an assist in the Champions League before Valencia were eliminated. The centre-forward’s scoring record in Spain has been outstanding, but he just didn’t want to leave the Mestalla Stadium for a club that wasn’t elite.
Kean will provide solace, however. The Italian national, who has two goals in three games for his country, contributed seven goals in 13 Serie A games last season for Juve. He has a bright future and could become a top striker on Merseyside.