Leeds United have an agreement to complete the permanent signing of defender Joe Rodon if they secure a place in next season’s Premier League, according to Football Insider.
The 26-year-old has played a pivotal role in Daniel Farke’s team since joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer. He has made 46 appearances in all competitions and has started every Championship game since the beginning of October.
It had previously been claimed that Spurs had upped their asking price for the Welsh international to £15 million, as they North Londoners look to take advantage of his good form this season. That would represent a £4 million profit on the £11 million they paid Swansea City in 2020.
Despite his move to the capital, his time at the Premier League club has been unsuccessful. The centre-back has made just 24 appearances in all competitions and spent last season on loan at French club Stade Rennais. Although the Ligue 1 held an option to buy, they opted to not exercise the clause.
Rodon then dropped back down to the Championship in order to revitalise his career. It’s fair to say that he has achieved his aim and a permanent move to Elland Road looks to be on the cards. Leeds are keen to bring the player to Yorkshire regardless of what happens in the coming days and weeks, although it is claimed that they do hold an option to buy if they achieve promotion.
The Whites head into their final game of the season tomorrow lunchtime three points behind second-placed Ipswich Town. It appears as though they may have to settle for a place in the play-offs, unless the Tractor Boys suffer a shock defeat against relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town and Farke’s side beat Southampton.
Leeds are guaranteed at least a third-placed finish, meaning if they do have to settle for the play-offs, they would play the team that finishes sixth. West Bromwich Albion currently occupy that spot, although Hull City will be hoping to sneak in at the final hurdle.
Writer’s View
Joe Rodon and Leeds United are a match made in heaven. The Welshman is likely to want to remain at Elland Road regardless of whether they achieve promotion or not. However, this new reveal will certainly make a deal much easier to complete if they find themselves back in the Premier League.
The value of the clause is not clear, although it could be less than the £15 million that Tottenham are hoping to receive. That is a staggering figure for a player that has only featured for the club a handful of times, especially because they paid less for his services four years ago. This is a deal that will go through, although expect it to be at a more sensible figure.
