Former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards believes that the signing of Rodrigo has seen Leeds United issue a strong statement of intent.
The Whites broke their transfer record to land the Spain international from Valencia, making him their biggest addition in 20 years.
Rodrigo's arrival should provide a significant boost to Marcelo Bielsa's attacking ranks for the forthcoming season, which begins against defending champions Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.
However, Richards believes the signing also has an impact off the field as it has shown that Leeds are not messing about after ending their agonising wait for top-flight football.
"The best thing about this signing is the message it sent out. We are back. The economy has changed since Leeds last broke their transfer record for Rio Ferdinand in 2000 but the fact the club were prepared to shatter it again for the first time in 20 years is a statement of intent," he told the Mail.
"I've been to Elland Road 10 to 15 times since Marcelo Bielsa has been manager and the place feels as if it is alive again.
"I'm a local lad so I'm over the moon to see them back in the Premier League.
"They play superb football and with the chances they create, Rodrigo should score plenty of goals."
