Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Leeds United loanee Joe Rodon, as Eddie Howe plans to reinforce his defensive options following a long-term injury to Sven Botman.
The Magpies have faced big challenges in replicating their fantastic performances from last season when they achieved a fourth-place finish in the Premier League. This is due to a concerning series of injuries to key players that have ruined the 2023/24 campaign, with Botman becoming the latest casualty.
Botman suffered an ACL injury against Manchester City during the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, sidelining him for six to nine months. The Dutchman’s serious injury now leaves Eddie Howe with just three senior fit central defenders Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles.
As a result, the Eddie Howe-managed club have been associated with several players to address the gaping hole in the squad, aiming to secure a solid replacement during the summer transfer window. Joe Rodon, currently on loan at Leeds United from Tottenham Hotspur, has reportedly emerged as a target for Newcastle United.
Wales international Joe Rodon is on Newcastle’s radar
Joe Rodon spent last season on loan with Ligue 1 club Rennes and is currently enjoying his time at Leeds United, in which he has played a significant role in immediate promotion back from the Championship. The Whites have overhauled Leicester City’s 17-point lead at the top of the Championship table, winning 12 of their 13 games since the turn of the year to push themselves firmly into the automatic promotion mix.
Leeds are interested in securing Rodon’s permanent at the end of the campaign, although failure to achieve promotion could see them potentially missing out on the defender’s signature. The Wales international has overcome a sticky couple of years and played more games in one season at Leeds than at any other time in his career.
With the 26-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2025, Spurs will be tempted to cash in on him while they can amid interest from Newcastle. At Newcastle, Rodon can thrive as a defender in the pressing, high-speed attacking play. He is quick, good on the ball and aerially strong, making the Welshman a perfect fit in Eddie Howe’s system at St James’ Park.
Spurs are happy to let Rodon leave the club this summer, with the Lilywhites pricing him between £10m and £15m. if Newcastle can beat Leeds to his signature, the Wales international will give Howe a solid defender with top-flight experience.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
