Ipswich Town, Hull City transfer reveal could play into Leeds United’s hands: View
Leeds United’s 2023-24 season came to a disappointing end as they were pipped to promotion and then defeated in the Championship play-off final.
Despite this, it was a season of promise and a number of players shone under Daniel Farke as they finished in third place with a record points total for a team not to be promoted.
One of these players was Joe Rodon, who was a rock at the heart of the defence as Leeds became one of the tightest backlines in the division.
Having only been on loan from Tottenham and a host of Premier League clubs circling for his signature, many perceive that it will be difficult for the Whites to re-sign the 26-year-old.
However, Ipswich Town are one of these interested parties and recent developments suggest they are beginning to turn their attention to Hull City’s Jacob Greaves.
Leeds will surely be feeling optmistic after this news as it could hand them a real boost in the pursuit of last season’s star centre-back Rodon.
Greaves interest could play into Leeds’ hands
Ipswich Town have outlined their plan to bring in a new defender this summer.
Whilst Luke Woolfenden and Cameron Burgess did play well last season, a defence that concedes 57 goals in the Championship is likely to struggle in the Premier League, where any mistake gets punished.
Joe Rodon was one of the first names mentioned, but their attention has turned to Hull’s vice-captain Greaves, who earned himself a spot in the Championship Team of the Season last year.
The defender would command a figure higher than that of Rodon due to his contract situation combined with his impressive form, aged just 23.
For Ipswich, this is a transfer that makes sense and the Leeds hierarchy will be hoping that the Tractor Boys can push this one over the line.
If able to complete a deal for Greaves, it seems improbable that they would return for the Tottenham defender.
In Leeds’ case, this is good news and although there are other parties interested, it will eliminate one of their competitors.
Leeds will hope loyalty will prevail with Rodon
As Football Insider reported, Rodon seems likely to join a Premier League side this summer, with Leicester City and Southampton two other teams that are interested.
Of course, this will be a concern, but the Whites will hope that loyalty could play a factor in securing personal terms.
Being one of the promotion favourites, you wouldn’t put it past Leeds to secure an automatic spot next year, so this would only put Rodon one year behind in terms of securing Premier League football.
Additionally, his season under Farke was probably the highlight of his career, with the defender struggling for game time in previous campaigns.
If he joined a top-tier side he may not have the same guarantees as he would at Elland Road and, aged 26, he still has sufficient time left in his career to play in the Premier League.
This summer will provide the answers to these questions, but stealing Joe Rodon from under the noses of the Saints and Foxes would be a huge coup for Daniel Farke.
Leeds would struggle to replace Rodon
Rodon’s performances last season somewhat revived a stalling career as he proved to be one of the top defenders in the Championship.
Appearing 50 times in all competitions for the Whites, he conceded just 45 goals in that time and displayed why he was held in such high regard at his former club, Swansea City.
