Regardless of whether Leeds United wins Premier League promotion this season, Paul Robinson thinks Joe Rodon should be a top target to join this summer.
Following a stellar loan stint at Elland Road, Tottenham is reportedly asking for between £10 million and £15 million if a club wants to recruit the Welshman this summer. [TEAMtalk]
The Whites will no doubt be keen to keep Rodon at the club for next season, having built a partnership with Ethan Ampadu in defence, but Robinson has warned that they could face competition this summer.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I think he should be Leeds’ priority in the summer. He has come in and been absolutely excellent this season. The manager has marshalled that defence very well, especially putting Ampadu alongside him.
“That defence has been a key part of the team this season. Keeping clean sheets was a premium in the Premier League, it was very, very difficult. We know that Leeds shipped a lot of goals; they were very susceptible and porous at the back.
“But this season, in the Championship, they’ve looked a very different animal and a lot of that is down to Joe Rodon. He’s come in and done brilliantly well. At 26 years old, if Spurs are asking for £10-£15million, I think that’s a great price.
“Even in the Championship, if the worst were to happen, I’d be tempted to try to bring him in on a permanent at that kind of level. I think if Leeds are a Premier League team next season, paying that for a player who has been so pivotal, he should be a priority.
“It was similar when Ben White and Leeds were promoted. We’ve all seen what he’s gone on to do with Arsenal, challenging for the Premier League title. I’m sure Leeds did everything they could to make that transfer permanent at the time.
“In a similar mould, it’s vitally important that he becomes an integral part of the team for the next two or three years, if and when they go do up.
“The thing in Leeds’ favour is that he’s clearly not part of Ange Postecoglou’s plans at Tottenham. He’s let Eric Dier go, he’s let Rodon go. Joe Rodon is surplus to requirements there. The only problem that Leeds will face are other teams because he has done so well this season.
“I don’t know what the situation with the loan, but I would hope that Leeds have a first refusal to buy. I don’t think they have, but you would hope that the player has had a really good season, enjoyed his time at Leeds, and they go in with a bid early to make that transfer permanent.
“I can’t see getting him out of Tottenham being the problem. What I can see being the problem is the other teams challenging for his signature.”
Could Joe Rodon become a permanent figure at Leeds United?
It would come as no surprise to see multiple clubs lining up this summer to secure the services of Rodon, especially considering the price tag.
Based on his performances this season, it is strange that Postecoglou has no interest in keeping the defender at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though Leeds will not care at all.
Rodon and Ampadu have created a formidable defence at Elland Road, with only Leicester City conceding fewer goals in the Championship this campaign, a relationship that must be preserved for the 2024/25 season.
Under £15million would be a sensational price for a centre-back of Rodon’s capabilities, which is why Robinson is so certain that other clubs will come knocking this summer.
