Uruguayan Winger Lucho Rodríguez Leaves Bahia for NEOM SC in €20m Move

Lucho Rodríguez will join NEOM SC after Bahia agreed to sell him for over €20 million. The winger will have medical tests next week.

WHAT HAPPENED?

NEOM SC, a club in Saudi Arabia, wanted to sign 22-year-old Lucho Rodríguez from Bahia. They offered more than €20 million, which is a record for Bahia this summer. Rodríguez, who played a lot for Bahia last season, will now move to the Saudi Pro League. He will have medical tests early next week before signing.

LUCHO RODRÍGUEZ AND BAHIA’S SEASON

This season, Lucho Rodríguez was very important for Bahia. He played in 29 matches in Brazil’s Série A, scored 8 goals, and had 5 assists. Bahia is 4th in the league with 36 points, 7 points behind Palmeiras and 1 ahead of Botafogo. Without Rodríguez, they play Cruzeiro next. Cruzeiro is second in the league, just behind Flamengo.

NEOM SC’S AMBITIONS AND NEXT FIXTURES

NEOM SC is busy in the transfer market. They want to build a team to challenge for the top in the Saudi Pro League and have already made significant moves, including signing Saïmon Bouabré for €10 million plus add-ons, as reported previously. They play Al Taawon next. Al Taawon is third in the league and wants to qualify for Asian competitions. Rodríguez will add speed and depth to NEOM’s attack. The club hopes he will help them climb the table.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RODRÍGUEZ?

Rodríguez is expected to join his new team after completing his medicals. He could make his debut before the end of September, and he will bring more South American skills to the Saudi league. NEOM SC hopes he will help them qualify for Asia’s top club competitions. Bahia must find a replacement for Rodríguez as they look to finish in the top half of the league.