Tottenham transfer news: Joe Rodon exit with key clause at ‘final stages’ as French side eye double swoop
Tottenham defender Joe Rodon is closing in on a loan move to Rennes which the French side can make permanent, according to a report.
The Wales international only moved to Spurs in October 2020, but he has struggled to make his mark since then. Admittedly, the fact his registration for the 2020/21 Europa League group stages did not go through in time did not help his cause.
It meant he could only play a bit-part Premier League role and twice in the FA Cup. Indeed, he played in the Carabao Cup for former club Swansea before his move.
Last season, Rodon only played 10 times for Tottenham, remaining on the bench for 29 league fixtures.
And with manager Antonio Conte bringing in Clement Lenglet from Barcelona on a loan deal with an option to buy, Spurs have pondered a similar solution for Rodon.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Welshman is now closing in on a move to France.
Rennes will have a €20million (£16.7million) option to buy the centre-back next summer as part of the deal.
Indeed, the deal is now at the ‘final stages’ and forms part of a double quick-fire double swoop for Rennes. The Ligue 1 club are closing in on the signing of Bologna defender Arthur Theate, too.
The arrivals of Rodon and Theate for Rodon come amid departures from their back line this summer.
Morocco star Nayef Aguerd has moved to West Ham, while 25-year-old Jeremy Gelin has gone to Amiens in Ligue 2.
Meanwhile, defensive midfielder Jonas Martin has left Rennes on a free transfer to Lille. The arrivals of Rodon and Theate will therefore bolster Bruno Genesio’s side again.
Tottenham had flirted with the idea of sending Rodon to Roma as part of a deal for Italy star Nicolo Zaniolo.
Joe Rodon needs Tottenham exit
Rodon was unfortunate not to get more game time in his debut Tottenham season and that ultimately put paid to his chances of becoming a regular first-teamer.
Had he been able to star in Europe, he may have made more of a name for himself.
With Conte’s arrival, the Italian has ideas of his own and is both honest and not afraid in telling players they are not needed.
A move away for Rodon is the best thing for him anyway. With the World Cup on the horizon, the centre-back will want as much game time as possible and to be in the best form he can be.
Staying at Tottenham is not an option, but a fresh challenge in France can give him a new lease of life.
