Phil Hay shares ‘really surprised’ verdict on Leeds United full transfer pursuit of Joe Rodon
Leeds United should go and “get it done” when it comes to a transfer for on-loan Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Joe Rodon, according to Phil Hay.
Appearing on The Square Ball podcast (30 May), the Athletic journalist said that after the Welsh international’s stellar loan spell at Elland Road, he would be shocked if the Whites didn’t try to bring him back permanently.
Rodon made 50 appearances in all competitions for the Peacocks this season, the last of which was their agonising 1-0 loss to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, and had been tipped to be bought if Leeds achieved promotion.
Hay said: “I’d be really surprised if they didn’t have another go at Rodon, I really would.
“The money you’d have to pay for him, by Premier League standards, isn’t massive, although Tottenham tend to bargain pretty hard.
“But, he’s been so good this season and so steady in that position, that you would absolutely say if you can get him back, that fills the right side of the two centre-backs; get it done.”
Leeds United must do all they can to retain Joe Rodon
For the vast majority of this Championship season, Leeds United’s defence was one to be feared, and Rodon was the most consistent part of that backline throughout his loan spell at Elland Road.
Playing alongside either Pascal Struijk or Ethan Ampadu, Rodon was the beating heart of a defence which conceded just 43 goals in their 46 games, the second-best record in the division.
That included a 13-game run between early January and late March which saw Leeds concede just three times, none of which came in open play, with Rodon and Welsh compatriot Ampadu marshalling proceedings from the back.
As can often be the case with the Peacocks, that imperious form fell away towards the back end of the campaign, although Rodon was still their best performer in the play-off final on 26 May; making driving runs forward at will and almost teeing himself up for a shot after combining with Willy Gnonto down the right.
After their narrow loss, another season in the second-tier awaits for Leeds. That brings financial questions, but if they’re able to stay within profit and sustainability guidelines, the Whites must return with a competitive bid for Rodon if they’re to maintain the defensive foundations this season was built on.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth has shared a new transfer admission around Archie Gray’s future at Elland Road
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