Defender Joe Rodon will consider a permanent move to Leeds United this summer, but only if promotion to the Premier League is secured, according to Football Insider.
The Whites initially struggled to adjust to life in the Championship, winning just one of their opening five fixtures. A summer of uncertainty could be attributed to this though, with several key players attracting interest from the top tier.
Form picked up as the transfer window closed, but the Yorkshire outfit have really kicked into top gear in recent weeks, winning their last seven league fixtures. Last night’s emphatic 4-0 win over Swansea City saw them take advantage of Southampton’s slip-up at Bristol City to move into the automatic promotion places for the first time this season.
Their impressive unbeaten run has churned up some stellar defensive displays, with six of the seven victories coming alongside a clean sheet. Only runaway leaders Leicester City have conceded less goals and the recent centre-back pairing of Welsh international’s Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu have struck up an excellent partnership.
Rodon headed to Elland Road on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and has made 32 appearances in all competitions to date. However, no option-to-buy clause was included and reports emerged earlier this week that the North Londoners had slapped a £15 million fee on the head of the 26-year-old.
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Leeds are keen to make the deal a permanent one, and it is a feeling reciprocated by the defender – although only if they earn a place in next season’s top tier.
It is claimed that it would be ‘a struggle’ to convince the former Cheltenham Town loanee to spend another season in the Championship, although he would be willing to make the move should promotion be achieved.
Although Farke’s team now occupy a spot in the top two, Southampton sit two points behind in third having played a game less. It’s set to be a fight between last season’s relegated pair to avoid the play-offs – a fate both will be keen to avoid. The Saints travel to West Bromwich Albion on Friday night whilst Leeds face a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday away at Plymouth Argyle.
Writer’s View
The Premier League is at the forefront of all concerned at Leeds United and Rodon’s views of not wanting to spend another season in the Championship will be one shared by many. However, it is a move likely to happen should promotion be achieved.
The centre-back has made just 24 appearances for Spurs since his transfer from Swansea in 2020. He has seen his career revitalised at Elland Road and there are likely to be other interested clubs in the summer should the Whites see themselves succumb to a second campaign in the second tier.
Head of Writing