Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their quest of signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon on a permanent basis after activating a clause in his Spurs contract.
Rodon, 26, appeared for Leeds during the 2023-24 season. In just one season, the Wales ace made an incredible 50 appearances in all competitions as Leeds came within a whisker of promotion.
However, defeat to Southampton in the Championship play-off final has left Leeds wondering if there is a prospect of attracting Rodon back to Elland Road ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season under Daniel Farke.
According to Graeme Bailey of LeedsUnited.News, the Whites will attempt to win the battle to recruit Rodon, despite Premier League clubs also interested in the Spurs defender in the summer window.
However, Tottenham has made the initial move. Spurs have opted to activate a clause in his contract that was set to last until the summer of 2025, which is bad news for Leeds United.
Tottenham make their first move as the busy Rodon summer approaches.
Football According to London reporter Alasdair Gold, Rodon’s Tottenham have invoked a clause in his Spurs contract, giving him two years left before it expires in the summer of 2026.
There could have been some hope at Elland Road that with Rodon entering the final year of his contract, Spurs would let him go cheap. But Daniel Levy is wiser than that, and he has played his hand.
There could have been some hope at Elland Road that with Rodon entering the final year of his contract, Spurs would let him go cheap. But Daniel Levy is wiser than that, and he has played his hand.
Two areas that may still give Leeds fans hope for Rodon’s signing
One is that, according to the article, Rodon was aware of Tottenham’s decision to extend his contract by another year for one month. Indeed, Spurs informed Rodon that this would happen, and it is now being publicized.
That means Rodon made his statements right before the play-off final knowing he had two years left on his contract, not just one. Rodon mentioned Elland Road as his second home and hinted at signing on.
One suggestion in the paper is that Rodon was aware of Tottenham’s decision to extend his contract by another year for a month. Spurs notified Rodon that this would happen, and it is now being publicized.
That implies Rodon’s comments soon before the play-off final were made with full knowledge that he would have two years remaining on his contract, not just one. Rodon stated that Elland Road was his second home and hinted at signing on.
