Leeds United did not include an option-to-buy clause in defender Joe Rodon’s loan agreement earlier in the season, meaning Daniel Farke’s side could be forced to pay a hefty sum for the Wales international, according to reports.
The Whites are on the best run of form in the Championship at the moment, having won six games on the spin and are just one point behind the automatic promotion places. Furthermore, the Yorkshire outfit boast the second-best defensive record in England’s second tier, conceding just 26 goals in 31 matches thus far, a record that only league leaders Leicester City have bested.
One of the primary reasons behind Leeds’ solid backline has been Rodon. The Tottenham Hotspur loanee moved to Elland Road on a season-long loan back in August and has made 31 appearances in all competitions so far for the club, including 28 in the league.
Football Insider revealed on Friday that Leeds United are keen to sign the 26-year-old on a permanent basis at the end of the season but a deal is unlikely unless Farke’s men earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Now, Football Insider are claiming that Spurs are willing to sell the centre-back, but only if the Peacocks cough up between £10-15 million for the central defender which could make a transfer difficult, particularly if they fail to return to the top-flight. The London club paid an initial £11 million to Swansea City for Rodon back in 2020 and are now looking to recoup this money ahead of the summer transfer window.
Writer’s View
If Leeds United fail to get promoted back to the Premier League, this deal will certainly be off the table as £10-15 million is obscene money to spend for a Championship club. However, this is a fee that the Whites could definitely afford if they do return to the top tier.
Nevertheless, there will also be competition for the defender’s signature in the summer and ultimately, Spurs will only sell to the highest bidder, meaning Leeds may have to pay close to £15 million to get Rodon back permanently.