Southampton target to pay £15 million for Leeds United’s loan star.
TEAMtalk reports that Leeds United loan player Joe Rodon is a target for play-off champions Southampton.
Leeds United and Southampton competed for promotion throughout the season before meeting in the Championship play-off final last weekend.
The Saints emerged victors, condemning the Whites to another season of second-tier play. Adam Armstrong’s first-half goal was key in Russell Martin’s 1-0 victory.
According to reports, the Premier League newcomers have targeted Joe Rodon, one of Leeds United’s top performers from the 2023/24 season.
According to TEAMtalk, Southampton are interested in signing the centre-back for £15 million as he prepares to return to parent club Tottenham Hotspur.
It is also stated that Leeds want to keep Rodon on a permanent basis. However, inability to rise and future financial concerns may complicate matters. For the time being, the Welshman is resting and considering his next move following a successful season.
An influential performer
Rodon rapidly established himself as an important player for Daniel Farke and Leeds United in their pursuit of an immediate return to the Premier League, whether playing with Ethan Ampadu or Pascal Struijk early in the season.
After entering in time for the second Championship game of the season, the former Swansea City player would only miss two games, one of which he watched from the bench due to suspension.
Rodon started every single game between October 4th and the play-off final last Saturday. He made 50 appearances in all competitions and demonstrated why he was regarded as a Premier League class player during his debut with Swansea.
Such achievement could pave the way for a Premier League opportunity next season, however Leeds United appear to be hoping to re-sign him.
The impact of the play-off final
The play-off final’s broader implications will undoubtedly emerge in the coming weeks and months, as Leeds United and Southampton enter on quite different transfer windows.
The Whites must sell players to pay unpaid costs on transfer installments while hoping to keep a group strong enough to compete for promotion again.
Meanwhile, as Martin prepares the Saints for the Premier League, he will most certainly have strong support at St. Mary’s.
Time will tell where Rodon ends up. A return to Leeds United would undoubtedly be a popular choice among Elland Road supporters, but another chance to show himself in the Premier League may be too tempting to pass up.
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