“Good bye Rodon?” Leeds United May Already Have an “Impressive” Joe Rodon Replacement

Leeds United May Already Have an “Impressive” Joe Rodon Replacement

Leeds United are set for a big summer transfer window after failing to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. The Whites are now preparing for a second season in the Championship following their 1-0 loss to Southampton in the play-off final at Wembley last weekend. This could have big implications for the next few months as Wilfried Gnonto is reportedly looking to move on and Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing up Crysencio Summerville.

One player who may not return to Elland Road next season is Tottenham Hotspur loanee Joe Rodon. Football Insider reported that the club had an option to make the deal permanent if they had won promotion, but a deal could be too expensive should they remain in the second tier. This suggests that the failure to return to the Premier League could put their hopes of bringing the Welsh star back to Yorkshire to an end, leaving the Whites in need of a replacement.

Instead of going out into the market and splashing the cash on a big-money centre-back to come in and replace Rodon, Daniel Farke could unleash a player already at his disposal. Charlie Cresswell could emerge as a dream replacement for Rodon at the heart of the Leeds defence after a season riding the bench this term.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who was hailed as “impressive” for England U21s by journalist Josh Bunting, only made five league appearances this season and was an unused substitute in both of the semi-final clashes with Norwich recently. However, his performances on loan with Millwall during the 2022/23 campaign suggest that the potential is there for the youngster to breakthrough as the first-choice for Farke in the right-sided centre-back role.

Cresswell’s form for the Lions was not too dissimilar to what Rodon produced in a Leeds shirt this season, from a defensive perspective. He also ranked within the top 38% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes per 90 (3.23), which suggests that the England U21 international is also a forward-thinking passer who could thrive in Farke’s possession-based side.

At the age of 21, the 6 foot 3 titan is five years younger than Rodon and has time on his side to improve and reach the Welsh star’s levels of dominance in duels, but he needs time on the pitch to do so. Therefore, Farke may find a dream replacement, given they would not need to pay any money to bring him in, for the Spurs loanee by finally unleashing Cresswell as a starter from next season onwards.

Leeds United’s failure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League may have big implications for the next few months. With several players set to leave the club at the end of their contracts, Daniel Farke must find new solutions for the attacking positions next season. One player who may be on the move is Wilfried Gnonto, who has been linked with a move away from Elland Road. Gnonto has been a key player for Leeds United this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists in his 44 appearances for the club. However, with his contract set to expire in 2024, the club may be forced to sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Another player who may be on the move is Crysencio Summerville, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Summerville has been a revelation for Leeds United this season, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in his 43 appearances for the club. However, with his contract set to expire in 2025, the club may be forced to sell him this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

With several players set to leave the club at the end of their contracts, Daniel Farke must find new solutions for the attacking positions next season. One player who may be brought in to replace Gnonto is Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca. Roca has been linked with a move to Elland Road, and would provide a similar attacking threat to Gnonto.

Another player who may be brought in to replace Summerville is Huddersfield Town’s Duane Holmes. Holmes has been linked with a move to Elland Road, and would provide a similar attacking threat to Summerville.

In other Leeds news, the club could sign an “exceptional” Gnonto replacement. Leeds could soften Gnonto exit by unleashing academy star Archie Gray. Gray has been impressing for the Leeds United U21s and could be the perfect replacement for Gnonto.

Leeds United are also set to lose Junior Firpo, who has been linked with a move away from Elland Road. Firpo has been a key player for Leeds United this season, making 43 appearances for the club. However, with his contract set to expire in 2024, the club may be forced to