"Statement of intent" - Leeds United tipped to have advantage over Burnley after Joe Rodon capture | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit is delighted that the club have sealed a permanent move for Joe Rodon despite Spurs' capture of Archie Gray.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds United have completed the permanent signing of Joe Rodon from Spurs, with Archie Gray moving in the other direction after just one season of football at Elland Road.

Tottenham have agreed a fee of around £40 million with the Whites for the 18-year-old, with Rodon returning to Leeds for around £10 million on a permanent basis, having been a hugely successful loan signing last year.

Regardless of whether he came back to Leeds or not, more depth and quality was required in Leeds' defence this summer, with Liam Cooper yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, Robin Koch moving on permanently, and Charlie Cresswell's departure likely, too.

The Welshman was in the last year of his deal, meaning he could perhaps be available for a cut-price fee in the summer. Leeds did not include an option to buy in the initial deal, and it was always likely that he would have approaches from Premier League outfits.

They have beaten the likes of Ipswich Town and Southampton to a deal for around £10 million. The 26-year-old has just enjoyed one of the most successful loans in the entirety of the Championship with the Whites - establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in the division, as well as a firm fan favourite in West Yorkshire.

That's despite defeat in the play-off final, and Rodon is now set to link back up with Pascal Struijk in the heart of Leeds' defence in 2024/25, providing Farke's side with a strong partnership from the off.

The reaction to Joe Rodon sealing a permanent Leeds switch

FLW’s Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith is excited at the return of Rodon, and is bullish about Leeds' defensive set up heading into next season, despite his disappointment at seeing Gray move on.

He said: "Losing Gray is obviously an absolute heart-breaker for Leeds fans to come to terms with, especially after just one season where most of his football was played at right-back and not in his best position in central midfield.

"But Rodon does really soften the blow. We need continuity going into next season. I think, personally, that is our advantage over the likes of Burnley and Sheffield United - we are not going to have to change too much.

"There is less overhaul and retaining Rodon is vital to us doing that. He's going to partner Pascal Struijk. For me, that is the best centre-half duo in the league. "Obviously, that is my opinion, but I just think those two nailed down are the best in their position. "It's also great to see that Rodon has Premier League interest on the table for him as well, and he's still opted to come back to Elland Road. "He's committed to the cause here, and that only cements his bond with us Leeds fans even more. "For the club, it is quite a statement of intent to get Rodon back, given the Premier League interest, even if it is only a by product of losing Gray.

"Rodon coming back is massive for us. You could easily argue that having Rodon in out starting lineup for us now, is even more important than Gray right now."

Joe Rodon's return to Leeds

As Smith alludes to, Rodon is ready to impact games to a consistently high level now, but Gray is a developing player and the best is yet to come in terms of his potential.

Most Leeds fans will have been preparing themselves for transfer disappointment regarding Rodon this summer, so the news will come as a huge boost to the club.

Rodon was almost ever-present and made 50 appearances and was formidable alongside Struijk during the first half of the campaign, and had a similarly excellent partnership with Ethan Ampadu in 2024 as well.

It also frees up Ampadu to play in his best position at the base of midfield again, whilst Rodon brings real personality on the pitch and in the dressing room as another leadership figure.

Some continuity will be needed from the Whites next season, and is especially important in the spine of the team, where relationships have been built throughout the season, both on and off the pitch. Rodon, Struijk, and Ampadu arguably gives Leeds the best defensive axis in the Championship when played together.