Joe Rodon (Getty Images)
In February, Daily Mail had claimed that Leicester City were interested in signing Swansea City defender Joe Rodon. It was claimed that Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton and Bournemouth have also been keeping tabs on the Wales international, with Manchester City monitoring the player too.
Joe Rodon, 22, has endured an injury-hit campaign with Swansea City, limiting him to just 20 appearances. His recent performances have earned him a senior call-up from Wales manager Ryan Giggs, making his international debut in September. The defender is expected to feature in Wales’ upcoming friendlies against Austria and USA this month, the report adds.
Meanwhile, Leicester City failed to replace Harry Maguire in the summer after selling the English defender to Manchester United before the start of the season. The Foxes have barely felt Maguire’s absence as Caglar Soyuncu has stepped up to the plate and delivered a series of impressive displays. In the process, Soyuncu has formed a strong partnership with Jonny Evans at the back.
The Foxes have enjoyed a good defensive record, conceding only 28 goals in as many games. Leicester brought in centre-back Ryan Bennett on loan from Wolves on transfer deadline day to provide cover in defence.
However, one must not forget that Wes Morgan is 36 and has entered the final stages of his career. He is out of contract in the summer and it remains to be seen whether or not the veteran defender is offered an extension on his current deal.
Keeping that in mind, Brendan Rodgers should look to add fresh faces to increase competition ahead of the next campaign. To that end, Joe Rodon would be a good fit at the King Power Stadium.
Rodon may have missed a large chunk of football this season but whenever he’s been on the pitch, he has been excellent for Swansea City. The 22-year-old also made his Wales debut in September, helping the team to a 2-1 win over Azerbaijan in a Euro 2020 qualifier. He’s already won two caps for the Welsh national team.
At the age of 22, Rodon is a young defender with room to improve. He has decent experience of playing in the Championship, having turned up for the Swans 47 times. Despite playing just 20 times this season, the interest in the Welshman from top Premier League clubs clearly speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
The 22-year-old would be a smart addition to Leicester’s backline, bringing in some much-needed competition for Evans and Soyuncu next season. Rodon is a young defender with potential to unlock, so Rodgers would be wise to acquire the Wales international’s services at the end of the season.
