According to Paul Robinson, the “ideal” situation for Leeds United would be to get Joe Rodon from Tottenham on a permanent basis as soon as possible.
The former England goalkeeper believes the loanee is settled at Elland Road, but admits the financial position will change dramatically depending on whether the club is promoted back to the top division or not.
He sees the Welsh defender as a definite asset that the club would want to keep, but if they miss out on promotion, the pundit fears they will have “blown” the entire transfer budget for next season if they agree to pay the £15 million quoted by Spurs [Phil Hay via The Square Ball, 9 November, 18m] at this stage.
Robinson told MOT Leeds News: “I’m not sure, but from the player’s perspective, he appears to be happy there. He’s playing well, he appears settled, and he’s a player who, while not a journeyman, has had a few clubs for someone his age, but he does appear to have settled.
“His personal chances will undoubtedly benefit from playing week in and week out at a big club like Leeds, but the problem for Leeds is that they don’t know if they’ll be in the Championship or the Premier League.
“You have to cut your cloth accordingly financially, so if you go and spend £15m on a centre-half to get the deal done now for the summer and you end up as a Championship club you’ve kind of blown your budget already on one player at £15m.”
Rodon is one of several prominent Welsh internationals at Leeds United this season.
Leeds United face risk due to Joe Rodon’s urgent engagement with Spurs.
If everything goes as planned, the Whites will be back in the top division, and Rodon’s chances of becoming a permanent signing look good.
If Daniel Farke’s side fails to qualify, it would be understandable for him to continue in some form, but whether Leeds United can afford his fee is uncertain.
Luis Sinisterra’s loan to Bournemouth has already been made permanent for about £20 million, and other loanees are anticipated to move on for cash in the summer.
It remains to be seen which of Farke’s present stars will go if promotion is not secured, but there is a good probability that a large sum of money will be pouring in.
However, committing to a Rodon contract before the season’s outcome is established would be risky, unless Spurs were willing to negotiate for both scenarios.
