Former Coventry City striker, Noel Whelan believes that Tottenham Hotspur have taken a big risk by signing Joe Rodon from Swansea City as the youngster is still unproven at the top level.
Spurs had already strengthened the squad considerably before the European transfer window closed at the start of the month, with central defence arguably coming as the only area of weakness the club had not addressed.
This is why the arrival of Rodon was met with enthusiasm from some Spurs fans, with the youngster having been very highly thought of in South Wales.
The reaction from Swansea fans certainly indicated that the Lilywhites had pulled off a bargain deal by securing the youngster for the rumoured £11m price, with some Swansea fans being left furious with the board.
However, Whelan believes that £11m is a fair price for Rodon since he is unproven in the Premier League and suggested that the Lilywhites have still taken a gamble by signing him.
The pundit told Football Insider: “That is the sort of money that is sensible for that sort of player. He’s only known in Championship football, we don’t know yet if he can make it.
“Yes, he plays for Wales but it’s different when you play in the Premier League.
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“That’s a sensible bit of business done by Swansea. You’re not holding anyone to ransom, you’re giving a young player an opportunity to go and test themselves in the best league in the world at a very good football club that will bring players through and improve them.
“It’s a big risk for Tottenham, they don’t know if he’s going to be able to cope with the demands.
“He’s an up and coming centre-half, he’s an international already that Spurs can improve and have more strength in depth to their side.
“I’m sure Gareth Bale would have had a chat with Jose Mourinho regarding him because he’s been in and around the Wales camp with this player. He would have given him a heads up about the talent he has and whether he can cope with the Premier League.”
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There is always an element of risk while signing young players who are unproven at the top level as there is no guarantee that they will reach their potential. However, Spurs clearly thought that paying around £11m for Rodon is comparatively lower risk than a £40m-£50m move for Skriniar as there is no guarantee that the Slovak would have been a hit in the Premier League either.
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