Before signing Joe Rodon on a loan agreement in the summer, Leeds United reportedly had their eye on Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Nat Phillips, according to Phil Hay. Daniel Farke has relied heavily on the Tottenham Hotspur loanee this season, as he has started 29 of the Whites’ 33 Championship games. However, according to a journalist from The Athletic (February 21), Phillips of Liverpool and Harwood-Bellis of Manchester City emerged as possible contenders. If only things had gone differently.
Joe Rodon undroppable force for Leeds United
Leeds supporters will never be interested in learning what might have happened this season if Rodon had not joined them in the summer on a season-long loan. The 26-year-old defender has been a huge revelation at Elland Road, and there are speculations circulating that the team is trying to work out a permanent signing agreement. Although Harwood-Bellis has very similar qualities and might even be a greater threat in the attacking half of the pitch, Rodon has become one of the division’s top defenders.
The centre-back has formed a partnership with fellow countryman Ethan Ampadu in recent weeks, with Pascal Struijk’s injury offering the pair a chance to bond in defence ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier against Finland in March. If Leeds were to sign Rodon on a permanent deal, it could be a signing that breaks the bank. But if Elland Road is capable of being a Premier League ground next season, it could absolutely be worth the money.
The Whites, against all odds, are now closing in on first position in the Championship. Leicester City looked to be running away with the league, but the two sides are separated by just nine points and an upcoming meeting could reduce it to six. Rodon’s impact in defence is evident, especially with the number of goals conceded this season. Leicester and Leeds are joint-first when it comes to the least number of goals conceded in the Championship.The campaign is set for a nail-biting finish.
