Gareth Bale said Joe Rodon would strengthen any side he joined if he needed to leave Tottenham Hotspur, and he is proving that at Leeds United this term – with the Welshman starring in defence.
Rodon, 26, had endured three difficult years after his £11m move to Spurs in 2020. Two years in which he only managed 24 appearances for the London club, before a tricky loan with French side Rennes.
In the summer, he opted to join Leeds and has not looked back. Rodon has become a crucial figure in this Leeds side, playing 16 times for the Whites and helping Leeds win 10 times in that string of games.
Alasdair Gold described Rodon’s form as “phenomenal”, with the Football London reporter also claiming that we may look to strike a permanent deal in January – if the opportunity presents itself next month.
Back in the summer of 2022, Bale told BBC Sport that Rodon might need a move away from Spurs but would improve any side that he joined and he is certainly proving that claim from the now-retired star.
“He’s a top professional, a great young player, he knows himself he needs to be playing week in week out and he wants to be playing week in week out,” Bale said, when discussing Rodon last summer.
“I don’t think he’s had the opportunity to play a consistent run of games for Tottenham, if he did he’d be fantastic for them. Even if he has to go to another team he’ll strengthen them, no matter who they are.”
Gareth Bale claim about Joe Rodon now turning true at Leeds
Rodon has been sensational for Leeds. One of his best moments coming on Saturday, when his block prevented Middlesbrough from scoring an equaliser with Leeds leading 3-2 at Elland Road. Crucial.
Leeds need to sign Rodon permanently, it goes without saying. Even Ethan Ampadu urged him to stay on Instagram over the weekend. But, it might be that we need promotion to secure Rodon’s signature.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
