Nottingham Forest player signs: Identifying 3 ideal Joe Rodon replacements for Leeds United

Tottenham defender Joe Rodon has just enjoyed one of the most successful loans in the entirety of the Championship with Leeds United – establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in the division, as well as a firm fan favourite in West Yorkshire, despite defeat in the play-off final.

That loss to Southampton at Wembley makes retaining his services far more unlikely than likely, but he left a lasting impression with the Whites. The 26-year-old was almost ever-present and made 50 appearances for the club in all competitions this season, with the team competing for promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking throughout his tenure.

Rodon had been part of a formidable centre-back partnership with Pascal Struijk at the heart of Leeds’ defence during the first half of the campaign. He has made 17 starts alongside the Dutchman and has won 11 times with a further four draws. Leeds conceded just 16 goals when that duo were in action.

More recently, he has been deployed next to Liam Cooper or Ethan Ampadu, following an injury sustained by Struijk to his adductor; but Rodon has been as impressive as ever, irrespective of who his partner is. It was with his Welsh international teammate that his and the side’s form saw them jump into the automatic promotion places, before their eventual collapse in the run-in and loss in the play-off final.

Rodon is in the last year of his deal with Spurs in June, meaning he could perhaps be available for a cut-price fee in the summer. Leeds did not include an option to buy in the deal, and it’s likely that he will have approaches from Premier League outfits.

Leeds are now preparing for a second successive season of Championship football. The Spurs loanee ought to be one of the highest priorities for the club. He is surplus to requirements with his parent club, but there are no guarantees. With that in mind, we have taken a look at three ideal alternatives Leeds should be keeping an eye on in the market.

Andrew Omobamidele

Andrew Omobamidele’s development has perhaps stagnated following his move from Norwich City to Nottingham Forest and a loan could be the ideal move for him and Forest.

Not only is Omobamidele far stronger in possession than most of the other defenders at the club currently, excluding Struijk, but he is also more mobile as well, which is something Leeds will lose out on if they fail to acquire Rodon. His superior athleticism is a must for Farke’s backline at some stage. Leeds lack recovery pace generally across their defence, which the Irishman would evidently add.

However, it is his composure at such a young age that is most impressive. The 21-year-old has hardly featured this season for Forest after breaking through with Norwich and a summer move could be in the offing, be that permanently or on loan.

Leeds should be at the front of the queue as they require centre-back reinforcements when the likes of Rodon and Liam Cooper depart.

Ashley Phillips

Ashley Phillips is a defender who evidently has an extremely high ceiling, but needs regular game time and refinement to get there, albeit that makes it a riskier signing than a player like Rodon or Omobamidele. The Spurs youngster spent time this season on loan with Plymouth Argyle and will have impressed Leeds firsthand for his handling of their forwards in two games against the Whites.

Given Leeds’ relationship with Tottenham, it could easily be a straightforward deal to complete. It’s not yet clear what his ball-playing qualities are like in a higher possession-based team, but his physicality, speed, and aggressive defending style are akin to Rodon in many ways and he could be a fantastic signing for Farke.

Not yet 19, the 6’4 defender has the front-footed style and combative nature to partner the composed and stylish Struijk in the centre of defence, which could be an ideal fit for Leeds and Spurs in getting the Blackburn Rovers academy product the required game time to learn and develop in a top Championship side.

Gabriel Osho

The aforementioned players would most likely be loan deals, but Gabriel Osho would almost certainly be a permanent deal. The 25-year-old has performed well for a Luton Town side that were relegated from the Premier League last season, shining as one of the brighter lights in their back line.

Osho is out of contract, albeit in contract discussions with his current club, but that doesn’t stop Leeds from getting involved for the centre-back, who combines athleticism with strength, whilst his ball-carrying ability in Luton’s back three looks very similar to Rodon’s signature move this season with Leeds in possession.

Combative and aggressive again, which would complement Struijk well, he possesses many of the attributes needed for the right-sided centre-back role, even if the standard is unlikely to be as high as the bar Rodon has set for Leeds. The Whites know it is unlikely that they upgrade on the Welshman, but Osho would go some way to being the most ready-made alternative to Rodon.