Antonio Conte has hinted that Joe Rodon’s desire to remain sharp heading into the World Cup in November is the main reason behind the centre-back’s potential departure from Tottenham.
Rodon has not had a run of starts under his belt since joining Spurs from Swansea two years ago, with The Evening Standard reporting earlier this month that the centre-back is desperate to leave the north London club in search of regular game time.
Multiple sources including Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic have revealed over the last 24 hours that the centre-back is edging close to completing a loan move to Rennes, with the Ligue 1 club having the option to buy him permanently for €20m (£16.7m).
However, L’Equipe have claimed that while Rennes are confident of snapping up the 24-year-old, Spurs have not yet decided whether to include an option to buy in the loan deal.
Conte has now suggested that Rodon’s desire to play football ahead of Wales’ World Cup campaign is part of the reason why he is leaving.
When asked about the defender’s future, the Italian told Football.London: “Yeah, Joe Rodon is another good player and don’t forget that in November there is the World Cup and many players want to play and play regularly.
“Also to prepare themselves for this important competition. I think that when the thoughts from the club and the players are the same we try to find the best solution for both.”
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The World Cup in November is probably a key factor behind the likes of Winks, Lo Celso, Reguilon and Gil wanting to leave as all of them want to give themselves the best chance of making the squads for their respective national sides.
That also perhaps explains why some big names, who are well settled and getting regular game time at their respective clubs, like Alessandro Bastoni, are reluctant to move this summer.
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