Wales defender Joe Rodon will be banking on the Swansea City connection to be instrumental at Wembley this weekend as Leeds United aim for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Leeds can secure promotion back to the top flight if they defeat a Southampton side led by former Swans manager Russell Martin.
Four ex-Swansea players are anticipated to feature in United’s squad for Sunday’s Championship play-off final: Rodon, Dan James, Joel Piroe, and Connor Roberts.
Piroe, who made the move from the Swansea.com stadium to Elland Road last summer, notched his 16th goal of the season in the crucial 4-0 victory over Norwich in the play-off semi-final second leg.
Wales internationals James and Roberts, the latter on loan from Burnley, made appearances off the bench in that match, while defender Rodon started alongside fellow national team member Ethan Ampadu.
The Welsh contingent could play a vital role against Martin’s Saints, who are also vying for a swift return to the Premier League.
“It’s a monumental occasion,” Rodon remarked on Leeds United TV. “We’re thrilled to give our all, particularly to provide something to anticipate for the entire club and everyone involved.”
Rodon was part of his childhood club Swansea when they reached the Championship play-off semi-finals in 2020 before securing a lucrative transfer to Tottenham Hotspur later that year.
Since then, he has made just 24 appearances for Spurs, spending time on loan at Rennes in France before embarking on a season-long stint at Leeds.
Sunday’s fixture will mark Rodon’s 50th appearance for United, and the result may influence whether he extends his stay at Leeds or not.
Speculation abounds that he will depart Spurs this summer, having not featured for them since May 2022. However, his focus remains on aiding Leeds’ return to the top tier.
“We will be fully focused this entire week and will give our all to hopefully secure victory,” he stated.
On the other side, Russell Martin harbors aspirations of his own. He stands just 90 minutes away from managing in the Premier League for the first time since departing Swansea last summer.
“It would be the pinnacle of my achievements outside of being a father,” he expressed to Sky Sports News. “The dream is to guide this team onto the grandest stage every week—to demonstrate their bravery and quality. We’re one game away from realizing that dream.
“I am immensely proud. The responsibility of leading this club is significant, and to do so at Wembley is monumental. It’s an immense privilege.
“I aim to make it a truly unforgettable experience by clinching victory, creating a moment that everyone will cherish.”
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