Archie Gray transfer could open door for Joe Rodon to make Leeds United move
Leeds United should be looking to soften the blow of losing Archie Gray by pushing for the full signing of Tottenham defender Joe Rodon.
David Ornstein confirmed on 30 June that Spurs are “working on a deal” to sign the 18-year-old after United rejected a £40million bid from Brentford that had reportedly been agreed the previous day [Graham Smyth, 30 June].
Gray leaving under any circumstances this summer will be a hugely unpopular move among the club’s fanbase, not least due to it putting the brakes on the continuation of his family legacy at Elland Road.
However, after the hugely successful loan spell Rodon had with the Whites last season, there is still time for the club to try and reap some benefits – other than not breaking Profit and Sustainability rules – from this deal.
Joe Rodon transfer could soften Archie Gray blow for Leeds United
Regardless of which players occupy the ‘outgoings’ column in LS11 this summer, Wales international centre-back Rodon is undoubtedly top of the tree when it comes to players United want to sign [Nancy Froston, 26 June].
Rodon made 50 appearances in all competitions as a staple of the Whites’ league-leading defence for much of the season, and his partnerships with Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu were rock solid.
Therefore, should the Peacocks’ hierarchy do their upmost to ensure Rodon heads back to Elland Road as part of Gray’s £40million-plus transfer to Tottenham, either permanently or on another loan, fans would at least be happy to see one of last season’s key men staying put [Football London, 6 June].
Daniel Farke’s side have also been linked with Spurs midfielder Oliver Skipp – a player the German won the Championship with in 2021 – and Gray’s arrival in North London could see his minutes take a hit [Football London, 29 June].
Moving Gray out of the door was never, and will never, be a popular decision for the club’s hierarchy to make, but ensuring that Rodon and/or Skipp head the other way could switch the long-term pain for a short-term gain.
In other Leeds United news, a fire sale update has emerged at Elland Road after a Red Bull announcement.
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