Leeds United ‘absolutely certain’ to bring Joe Rodon back from Tottenham if possible
Phil Hay is “absolutely certain” that Leeds United will bring Joe Rodon back to the club if they are able to this summer.
The Athletic journalist said on the Square Ball podcast (8 June) that the Tottenham defender would likely make more sense as another loan deal, after he spent a fruitful season as a temporary Whites player under Daniel Farke last term.
However, Spurs have triggered the option of a final fifth year in the 26-year-old’s contract in order to receive a fee for him as he is not in Ange Postecoglou’s plans and is expected to leave [Football London, 6 June].
Hay said (4m 40s): “It’s difficult financially for Leeds. Obviously they’re going to put a lot of money in but how much they’re actually able to spend in terms of fees will depend on how much they can accrue from players who leave.
“Financially with Rodon it probably suits more to do him again on loan if you can. I don’t know what Rodon’s other options would be but he certainly seemed to be very happy here and it’s been one of his best seasons in terms of his own personal form, so it would make sense.”
Will Daniel Farke get Joe Rodon back at Leeds United?
It makes obvious sense to re-sign Rodon if he is affordable since he proved his worth under Daniel Farke last term, arguably ahead of any permanent central defender at Elland Road.
He is also in the bracket of player which Leeds United would be hoping to make signings from the this summer as top flight options who don’t have a clear path to regular football.
But, although big money is accompanying the new Red Bull sponsorship and investment deal there is the best part of £200m in previous transfer fees to pay in upcoming windows already [The Athletic, 29 May].
So much will depend on which star men are sold after failure to gain promotion, with Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville top of the list of potential big-money departures.
If Spurs have triggered Rodon’s contract option but still expect him to leave then the chances of a straight loan that sees out his deal look slim.
A knock-down fee, either now or a future obligation, might be enough to convince Daniel Levy and the Londoners’ board to accept rather than lose him for nothing, but if rival suitors join the race who are willing to spend it could be a difficult one for the Whites.
However, unless he gets the opportunity to stay in the top flight the Welsh international’s personal preference may well be an Elland Road return, which could tip the balance in the club’s favour.
In other Leeds United news, recruitment talks have been held by a Premier League club over a move to sign a star Whites player.
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