Sport
Pundit fears Leeds could ‘Blow’ entire transfer budget on one deal
Leeds United completing a permanent deal to sign Joe Rodon from Tottenham immediately would be the “ideal” situation for the club, says Paul Robinson.
The former England keeper believes the loanee is settled at Elland Road but accepts the financial situation changes drastically depending on whether the club get promoted back to the top flight or not.
He sees the Welsh defender as a definite asset that the club would want to keep hold of, but if they miss out on promotion the pundit worries they would risk having “blown” the entire transfer budget for next season if they agree to stump up the £15million have Spurs quoted [Phil Hay via The Square Ball, 9 November, 18m] at this stage.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said: “I don’t know, but from the player’s point of view he looks to be happy there. He’s playing well, he looks settled, and he’s a player who has been, not a journeyman, but he’s had a few clubs for somebody of his age, but he does finally seem to have settled.
“His personal prospects will obviously be enhanced playing week in and week out at a big club like Leeds but the thing is for Leeds is the ideal would be to get a deal done now, but they don’t know if they’re going to be a Championship club or a Premier League club.
“You have to cut your cloth accordingly financially, so if you go and spend £15m on a centre-half to get the deal done now for the summer and you end up as a Championship club you’ve kind of blown your budget already on one player at £15m.“
Leeds United face risk on immediate Joe Rodon commitment with Spurs
If everything goes to plan then the Whites will be back in the top flight the likelihood that Rodon becomes a permanent signing looks high.
Should Daniel Farke’s side miss out then it would be no surprise for him to stay in some capacity either way, but whether Leeds United would be able to afford his price tag is a doubt.
Luis Sinisterra’s loan to Bournemouth has already been made permanent for around £20m and other loanees are expected to move on for cash come the summer.
Which of the current stars of Farke’s side would also leave if promotion isn’t secured remains to be seen, but there is the chance that a lot money would be coming in.
But it would still be a risk to commit to a Rodon deal before the outcome of the season is confirmed, unless Spurs were open to negotiations based on both eventualities.
