Joe Rodon looks to thrive after failed Tottenham stint

Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon concluded a move to Leeds United in the summer transfer window despite interests from multiple Premier League clubs. The North Londoners have been looking to dispose of the 26-year-old centre-back, as he would be a surplus to the needs at Hotspur Way.

Spurs signed the Welshman in 2020 as a transfer can with a bargain headline owing to his massive reputation as a promising and destructive defender. However, he hasn’t quite found a series of opportunities with the North Londoners, as he has always faced stiff competition from more established defenders in the squad.

He enjoyed a splendid loan spell at Leeds United last season, and he always wanted to move back to Elland Road. The financial difficulties at the Yorkshire-based club complicated any possible deal, and it looked like the transfer would not come through. However, the Spurs deal for Archie Gray opened up possibilities for a move to Leeds, which they went on to capitalise on.

Old-school attitude, modern defender

Speaking in the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke suggested that the Wales international wanted to return to Elland Road this summer. Rodon moved to Leeds in a £10 million transfer earlier this summer, and he always wanted a move back to the club he called home last summer.

Premier League sides Ipswich Town and Southampton expressed interest in landing the 26-year-old this summer, although he wanted to move to Leeds United due to his positive experience there during his loan spell.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke spoke about Rodon’s old-school attitude and role-model qualities as Leeds concluded his signing.

“What I like about him is that he has an old-school attitude, but he’s a perfect role model for a modern defender as well. Because he is quick and good on the ball, and you can defend with him on the high line,” the German boss said.

“He also has good body language and leadership, and it is also a topic we have worked on a bit since the beginning of the season. He has grown more and more into this role, and he leads from the backline.”

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Serie A club do not want to spend more than €17m to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender
• Tottenham talks with Serie A club collapse as clubs fail to agree cut-price deal
• Tottenham Hotspur make contact to sign £50 million Ligue 1 talent this summer

I’m hoping this transfer works out for Rodon and he can continue to thrive and contribute positively to Leeds United’s defence next season.