Leeds United and 49ers must ready bid for Joe Rodon as £50m message sent
There were few matches more chaotic across the entirety of English football this weekend than the showdown between Leeds United and Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
The 3-2 win for Daniel Farke’s side had five goals, a sending off and plenty of missed chances at both ends. But in amongst the chaos, there was yet another excellently composed performance from Joe Rodon at the heart of the Whites’ backline.
No player on either side completed more passes than the Welsh international, who managed to find a teammate with 99 per cent of his 96 attempted efforts, including nine balls into the final third in an exceptionally composed display in possession [Fotmob].
Out of possession, the 26-year-old was just as exceptional, winning three of his five duels both in the air and on the ground. But perhaps his best work came in an excellent goal-line clearance which ultimately earned the Whites all three points and he also won his only tackle in the match.
Leeds United supporters have been incredibly impressed by Rodon’s displays in a white shirt this season and it is safe to say that his teammates have also been blown away by the impact that the Tottenham loanee has had at Elland Road.
Ethan Ampadu has been spotted pleading with Rodon in an attempt to get him to extend his stay at Elland Road, commenting on the defender’s latest Instagram post, “Please stay”.
The Whites know they’ll have the Welshman’s services until the end of the season, with Farke previously confirming that Tottenham will not be recalling him during the January transfer window. However, the 49ers should be looking to make this deal permanent.
Rodon’s display against Middlesbrough was nothing short of faultless, as shown by his 99 per cent passing accuracy and it is safe to say that he has fitted in excellently as a member of Farke’s group.
It has been reported that Daniel Levy wanted £50 million to allow the 26-year-old to depart permanently [Phil Hay, 9 November], but if Rodon wants to leave Spurs, the 49ers may be able to knock down that price slightly.
No matter the price required, or the division that Leeds are playing in, the Whites and their owners must ensure that Rodon is wearing a Leeds shirt again next season. They cannot have a repeat of the situation they had with Ben White.
The 49ers must act on Ampadu’s words and do everything they can to keep Rodon at Elland Road permanently.
In other Leeds United news, Crysencio Summerville has sent Archie Gray a new message after his display against Middlesbrough