Nottingham Forest were linked with Joe Rodon in the summer but Steve Cooper opted to sign other options instead. On Friday, he showcased why Forest should have acted on their interest more intensely.
Forest did strengthen their defensive options. Moussa Niakhate and Willy Boly were added; whilst Loic Bade was also signed, although he hasn’t yet made his debut in the Garibaldi.
Rodon did leave Tottenham. He joined Ligue 1 outfit Rennes on a season-long loan and perhaps Forest will retain an interest in him for the future.
Cooper knows all about the defender. He played under the Forest head coach during his time at Swansea prior to his move to Tottenham.
Clearly moving to France has paid dividends. He was superb for Wales, despite their 2-0 defeat to Iran which has hampered their chances of progression.
Some statistics from Who Scored showcase just how colossal Rodon was in Wales’ latest fixture.
He won two headers, made six clearances and also registered two interceptions throughout the 90 minutes.
Rodon was powerless to prevent Iran from scoring twice in stoppage time to throw Group B wide open in stunning style.
Iran’s win came after a moment of madness by Wayne Hennessey. He came steaming out of his box with five minutes remaining and left the referee no choice but to red-card him.
Forest were linked with Rodon and they must move in the summer
The talented central defender has started life in France quite well. He’s made 14 appearances and has played for the club in the Europa League too.
Rodon would be a quality signing for the Reds. His form right now for Wales is perhaps suggesting that Forest missed a trick by not moving for him.
As a result, the Reds have to keep tabs on him. If survival can be secured, Forest might fancy trying to sign him in the summer.
The player would unlikely cost a deal in the way of a transfer fee. He also earns a very affordable £24,000-a-week at Tottenham.
Given that Cooper has managed Rodon before, it’s perhaps surprising that Forest didn’t do more to sign him during the summer.
If his current form continues, Forest should seriously consider trying to sign him in the future.
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