Phil Hay has shared his first real update on Leeds United’s transfer activity ahead of the summer.
Leeds will officially be able to start signing players from Friday onwards and it certainly promises to be a busy window of both incomings and outgoings at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke and those in the recruitment team will have been preparing behind-the-scenes for the eventuality of Leeds not being promoted, and it is now almost time to start implementing their plans.
Leeds did not sign a single player until the third week of July last summer and Paraag Marathe has already confirmed they do not want a repeat of such a slow start to the window.
Ultimately, it ended up proving costly in Leeds’ promotion hopes and with the pressure on to go one better, Marathe has been bullish in his insistence they will have a strong squad.
Hay shares update on Leeds’ Joe Rodon pursuit
Leeds have been linked with a couple of potential signings so far, with Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist reported to be a loan target.
Fulham attacker Bobby De Cordova-Reid, who is set to be out of contract this month, is also said to be on Leeds’ radar.
However, at this stage of the window, there is no doubt who their first-choice transfer target is. After such an impressive loan spell, £11m man Joe Rodon simply has to be brought back.
Rodon extended his contract at Tottenham until 2025 earlier this week which could open the door for another potential loan deal. Leeds have told the Welshman they want him back.
Ultimately, though, it is going to depend on the finances involved and potential interest elsewhere, but speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Hay says he is ‘absolutely certain’ Leeds are doing everything to ensure he returns.
He said: “I am absolutely certain they will take Rodon back if they can. It is difficult financially for Leeds, obviously they are going to pull money in, but how much they will be able to spend in terms of fees will depend on what they accrue from players who leave.
“Financially with Rodon, it suits more to be able to do him on loan if you can. I don’t know what Rodon’s options would be but he seemed very happy here and it has been one of his best seasons in terms of his own performances. It would make sense.”
What Rodon has said about returning to Leeds
Rodon was asked about the chances of him joining Leeds in the week leading up to the play-off final, and he certainly left the door open for it to happen.
The Wales international says Leeds has now become a ‘second home’ for him, but at the same time, he does have aspirations of playing at the highest level.
He said: “It would be nice to have stability and know where I am next season. I’ve always strived to get to the elite level and hopefully I can get back there with Leeds, but you never know.
“I don’t want to look too far into the future, although I do love it here and Leeds feels like a second home to me now. I’m just concentrating on giving my best and getting this club back to where it belongs.”