Joe Rodon is the first Premier League defender Leeds United is expected to sign this summer, but he might not be the only one.
Following weeks of conjecture about Rodon’s potential return to Elland
In the race to sign the Welshman, Needs defeated several Premier League rivals; Ipswich Town’s £10 million offer was even turned down by Spurs.
But Leeds had to include Rodon in the deal sooner or later, and that’s exactly what they did, once it became clear that Archie Gray was headed to the North London club.
Having saying that, Rodon is probably not the only center back Leeds signs. Even though his move to Toulouse is no longer on, Charlie Cresswell is also slated to go, while Liam Cooper has not yet decided whether to sign a new contract.
Report provides updated information on Leeds target’s prospects. Nathan Phillips
Rodon and Pascal Struijk are undoubtedly Leeds’ first-choice center back duo, thus it will be challenging for the team to bring in another genuine elite center back at this level to Elland Road.
Any player who does enter the game may have to make do with being the backup due to Struijk and his injury on Boxing Day, which ended their excellent combination.
Last season, Ethan Ampadu served as Struijk’s backup for the whole second part of the campaign. However, with Gray gone, Ampadu will once more be required in midfield.
Nat Phillips is another center-back who has been linked to a summer transfer to Leeds after being a target a year ago.
Phillips is “certain” to depart Anfield at some point in the upcoming weeks, according to a new update on his future released by The Athletic this morning.
Since Phillips’ contract with Liverpool expires in a year, any move would probably need to be permanent, which would benefit Leeds and eliminate his previous loan team, Cardiff City.
The Reds are said to have established an asking price of £8 million, although it wouldn’t be shocking if that amount dropped once the transfer window opened. That might be Leeds’ decision to make a move.
Leeds shouldn’t pursue Phillips unless his £8 million price tag is lowered.
Leeds would be foolish to spend an additional £8 million on a backup after having already paid £10 million to acquire Rodon.
Leeds should only consider pursuing the 27-year-old if Liverpool lowers their asking price, as previously stated. This summer, they don’t have an endless supply of money to spend.
Furthermore, Phillips hasn’t even reached 100 professional matches in his career, so there’s not much need for Liverpool to charge such a high sum considering his age.
Nevertheless, he shown during his half-season loan at Cardiff last year that he is a capable center-back at this.
