Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently shared some blunt thoughts on Joe Rodon’s future at Elland Road with Football Insider. While Brown confirmed several Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the Welsh defender, he played down the idea that Leeds should be worried about losing him this summer.
Mick Brown on Joe Rodon’s future at Elland Road
The 28-year-old has been a fixture in Daniel Farke’s squad throughout the 2025/26 season, playing over 2,500 minutes in the top flight. Brown points out that Rodon’s permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur always comes with a bit of a justification factor. Many are wondering if he will be promoted to the Premier League after his impressive Championship run. Brown admits he had his doubts, but they have been well and truly buried.
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His idea was simple, if Leeds persisted, they would keep Rodon. The defender has scored two important goals this season and ranks fifth among Premier League centre-backs in ground duels won. While there was interest from rival clubs, Brown knew Rodon was happy and settled. Falke has no intention of selling his best asset, and Rodon is central to that plan. The mood is not one of panic, but one of fear. This is an unavoidable case of interest that will most likely not result in a formal bid.
“Joe Rodon has been fantastic at Leeds United,” Brown told Football Insider.
“When he moved from Tottenham you saw him waiting for him to prove himself and he did that in the Championship.
“The next question is whether he can do that in the Premier League and I have to admit I have my doubts but he has been an important part of their team this season.
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“The problem is, when you perform at a high level in the Premier League and in Wales, a lot of rival clubs start looking around and there are a number of clubs looking at Rodon.
“But I don’t think it’s a major issue for Leeds, by all accounts he’s happy there and playing well so they won’t want him to leave.
“If Leeds stick it out at the end of the season they are confident they can keep Rodon and all their best players and they want to build around them.
“Obviously there will be interest from Premier League clubs, that’s how things work, but I don’t think anyone is going to make a big move right now.
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“So from a Leeds perspective I don’t expect anything to change there.”
Is Rodon really irreplaceable at Leeds United?
LEEDS, UK – FEBRUARY 6: Leeds United’s Joe Rodon reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on February 6, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Statistically, Rodon is a workhorse. In 18 Premier League games, he averaged 5.71 clearances per game, showing that he is a safety-first defender. WhoScored highlighted his passing and composure. For a team that likes to play from the back, these are all qualities Farke needs.
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However, we have to be honest about his recent performance. Leeds United are ranked 15th, just 4 points above the relegation zone. While Rodon has been reliable, his performance levels have dipped slightly since the New Year. He’s still a leader, but he’s not invulnerable.
Now, the question we face is do Leeds need him next year? Absolutely. The 28-year-old is in his prime, with his tall frame providing him with the necessary aerial presence. But the club should not treat him like a pariah. When his partnership with Jacquard Bjorn or Pascal Struijk is disrupted, he can be left exposed against speedy forwards.
I hope Roden stays. Top six clubs are not looking for a 28-year-old mid-table defender and mid-table rivals are unable to offer him more consistency than he has at Elland Road. Falke’s real challenge isn’t keeping Rodon; He’s looking for a permanent partner to help him lead this defense.
