One of the best pieces of business the 49ers have done whilst in charge of Leeds United has been bringing Joe Rodon to Elland Road, initially on a loan deal before it became permanent.
Rodon has been exceptional for Leeds across their two Championship campaigns under Daniel Farke, and now the Welshman has handled the step up to the top flight seamlessly and continues to impress.
The defender has also adapted exceptionally well to his new role as the wide centre-back in a back three, with Rodon even seen bombing down the right flank for Leeds at times, especially at Elland Road.
However, a former Manchester United chief scout has made a bold claim about the Leeds defender and what the club plans to do with him over the summer.
Mick Brown reveals Leeds’ Joe Rodon plans
Former Manchester United chief scout Brown recently revealed that he had been impressed with Rodon’s adaptation to the Premier League this season, and as a result, other clubs may begin to show an interest in the United defender.
However, when speaking to Football Insider, Brown revealed that Leeds plan to block any approaches for Rodon in the upcoming summer transfer window, with the Whites seeing the defender as one of the players they can build around to establish themselves as a Premier League outfit.
“Leeds want to keep hold of their best players first and foremost,” Brown said.
“That has to be their priority because if you want to keep improving and making progress, you have to make sure you’re not weakening your squad. That includes Joe Rodon, for example, who has been brilliant for Leeds this season.
“Then, going into the summer window, they want to add new additions to the side to build around those players and add more exciting quality to the side.
“Leeds know they need to improve if they want to stay in the Premier League, but they can’t go out and just spend millions on players who don’t improve them. They need to be clever with their moves and bring in quality players who will add something to the team in positions they need most.”
Key additions to bolster Farke’s options in between the sticks and up top are said to be a priority, with Leeds lacking real quality and depth in these areas.
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Data suggests Joe Rodon has been exceptional for Leeds this season
Rodon’s robustness and quality have made him a fan favourite in West Yorkshire, and up to this point, he is a massive reason why Leeds find themselves in 15th, four points above the drop zone.
As well as impressing defensively, Rodon has also added more goals to his game this season as Leeds have become more of an attacking threat from set pieces.
Rodon has scored twice so far this season, compared to just once across his two seasons in the Championship with United.
- Rodon’s defensive data has also been exceptional, winning 1.1 tackles per game whilst also managing to recover 2.5 balls per game
- The Welshman averages 5.7 clearances per game, too, with Leeds having a far better defensive record than relegation rivals West Ham
- He has also been an ever-present in the backline, playing in 29 of Leeds’ 31 Premier League games so far this season (Sofascore)
Whilst Leeds would likely fetch a handsome profit on the £10million they paid for Rodon, supporters will be hoping their Welsh warrior continues to lead United’s defence for many years to come.
