Kevin Phillips admitted his astonishment that Tottenham had returned to his new signing Joe Rodon on loan to Swansea City, but warned that his price could soon be shot at forty-five million pounds.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, former Sunderland and England forward said it would be difficult for the 22-year-old to register without delay with the Spurs team, but that he would temporarily expand if he played.
Tottenham announced Rodon’s signing on Friday night after it was revealed exclusively in the previous day that there had been a breakthrough in the talks and that the deal had to arrive on time.
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 2020
It is understood that the north London club have paid Swansea a straight cash fee of up to £15million including £4m of add-ons after the possibility of a player-plus-cash deal had been discussed.
Rodon played a total of 54 games for his boyhood club and Phillips is surprised the Welsh international will not get the chance to add to that number.
Asked by Football Insider whether he expected Rodon to be loaned back to Swansea immediately, Phillips said: “Yes, definitely.
“For me I think Tottenham have made some good signings. I know that area (centre-back) is obviously what has been identified to strengthen.
“Can it happen and have an immediate effect? That’s a big demand.
“Common sense would recommend bringing the player and lending it directly to give him more experience.
“At the beginning of next season or in January, when he played a few more games, then bring him back and watch him.
“I think the obvious one is secure the player first and then send him back out on loan and let him develop as a player.
“You all have a brilliant player on your hands who folds in silver or triple in silver and also plays for your team for four, five, six, seven years. “
Meanwhile, Alex McLeish reacted to a massive progression from Tottenham through “José Mourinho will apologize. “