Leeds United at Joe Rodon transfer disadvantage after what Ange Postecoglou did
Leeds United have been put at a “bit of a disadvantage” in regard to their pursuit of Joe Rodon, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Following a strong season on loan with the West Yorkshire outfit, Daniel Farke was on the lookout to sign the Wales international permanently before his contract was extended at Tottenham.
Jacobs details that this could be down to many things, however, the likelihood is that it was a sort of “protection mechanism” and that Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was influential in the decision.
“I think the extension was part of being down to a good season, and partly as a protection mechanism where if suitors come calling, you have got all of the cards, whether that’s permanence, or another loan,” he said on the JustJoe Football Show (11 June).
“I was told this was driven by Ange Postecoglou, rather than necessarily someone on the recruitment side. In this particular instance I am told it is about Postecoglou watching a lot of the games and the footage and realising he is not old in anyway, he’s 6ft4, still mid-20s, so why not protect it, so it’s win, win.
“Then you can either sell him or loan him out. Tottenham are just doing what you’d expect, they’ve got the depth if they want to use him, but the protection if they want to loan or sell. But that does put Leeds at a bit of a disadvantage.”
Why Leeds United are vying for the transfer of Joe Rodon from Tottenham this summer
As his stay with Spurs has now been extended, Postecoglou and Daniel Levy now hold all the cards in their hands and can dictate the future of the defender as they so wish.
After Rodon’s extension was driven by Postecoglou himself due to the defender’s performances over the course of the 2023/24 season, it’s no surprise that Farke would like the Wales international to return.
Rodon was among the club’s best players last season and formed a solid defensive line with the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Archie Gray at the heart of Leeds’ defence.
The Wales defender played a total of 50 games across all competitions for the Whites, totalling 4384 minutes of game time.
Not only does this show how regularly the defender was available in the squad but it also outlines his importance to the team.
And, despite the fact he has been granted an extension at Tottenham, it feels unlikely that Postecoglou will use the 26-year-old in his first-team.
The likes of Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies would all likely place ahead of Rodon which would make him the North London club’s fifth-choice centre-back.
Whilst this wouldn’t be too disheartening for a younger player, at the age of 26, Rodon will likely want to start week in and week out, especially since he’s currently in his prime years.
This is definitely one to watch over the course of the summer transfer window.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ stance on an Alfie Gilchrist loan has been revealed.
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