It is the end of the 2023-24 season and a single goal dictates that Leeds United will now have to sell their best players, and the futures of others are thrown into doubt.
Ethan Ampadu stepped out of the defensive line, and Will Smallbone profited. The midfielder slipped in Adam Armstrong to score past Illan Meslier, the only goal of the 2023-24 play-off final at Wembley.
Where does Joe Rodon rank in the list of Leeds’ best-ever signings? 🤔
A goal that meant Leeds had to spend another year in the Championship and in turn, had to sell to get their finances in check. Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville were sold for £110m.
Leeds had to replace the departures of their best players with some bargain signings. In came Jayden Bogle, Manor Solomon on loan and Brenden Aaronson returned. But luckily, Leeds kept Joe Rodon.
Rodon explains why he chose to return to Leeds despite interest
Rodon had just sparkled for Leeds during 2023-24, reminding all what he was capable of after a tough spell on the sidelines at Tottenham and a difficult loan spell with Rennes in France, during 2022-23.
But despite play-off final failure, Rodon opted to remain at Leeds. Gray’s £40m move to Tottenham saw Leeds have the opportunity to sign Rodon permanently, and did so for a bargain fee of just £10m.
Rodon told the Athletic: “There was a lot of (transfer) interest. But from where I was before I came to Leeds and how that went; loved it even though we failed. It was so important, there was no other option.”
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The other clubs that wanted to sign Joe Rodon in 2024
At the time, the race for Rodon was hectic. Ipswich Town had just been promoted and they wanted to lure the Wales star to Portman Road, while Southampton were also keen on adding Rodon in the top tier.
Jose Mourinho was even touted with a move for Rodon at Fenerbahce. But Rodon chose Leeds and to the delight of Leeds fans, Rodon has continued his Leeds form as if there was no doubt about his future.
Rodon has often spoken of having a point to prove in the Premier League, but without doubt, the former Swansea man has been Leeds’ most-consistent player this season, and is certainly one of the best, too.
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