OPINION
Jack Rodwell’s topsy-turvy career looks set for its latest twist as Sunderland are reportedly ready to rip up his contract and let him leave for free.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the Black Cats are desperate to offload the three-cap England midfielder, who is currently earning £70,000-a-week at the Championship club.
The newspaper claim that the club have now offered to cancel his contract after Rodwell asked to leave this month, although the 26-year-old would receive no severance package.
There is still 18 months to run on Rodwell’s deal at the Stadium of Light, which had no clause that meant his pay was cut when they were relegated last season.
His massive wages are causing problems at Sunderland, and it is said to be unlikely that Rodwell would walk away with no financial settlement as he is set to earn £5million in wages between now and the end of his deal.
Whatever happens, it looks likely that Rodwell will leave the club, which means he will be on the look out for a new challenge in the coming days.
Leeds must be prepared to swoop when that happens.
Let us not forget that Rodwell was tipped as a future England captain when he broke into the Everton first-team at 16 years old.
That talent is still there, but it has been clouded by injuries, a misinformed decision to join Manchester City, and a poor spell at the Black Cats that has seen Rodwell cast into the shadows for too long.
The 26-year-old merely needs to be given the opportunity to shine on a big stage once again, and his career should take a long-awaited upward turn.
Leeds can be that stage, with the Whites looking for promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
Thomas Christiansen’s side are crying out for experienced reinforcements who can reignite their faltering challenge at the top of the Championship.
Who better than Rodwell?
The midfield star has 166 appearances in the Premier League, and would surely shine in the Championship if he got himself fit and firing.
Leeds are in desperate need of an extra central midfielder, with Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira their only reliable options there.
Vieira is currently struggling with injury, and replacement Eunan O’Kane is about to serve a three-match ban for a headbutt.
Mateusz Klich has not made an impact at all since his summer move from FC Twente.
Another factor to consider is Rodwell’s versatility.
The 26-year-old has played at centre-midfield, defensive midfield, attacking midfield, and centre-back for Sunderland this season, all in just six senior appearances.
A January signing that can play all those positions comfortably is a godsend.
To top it all off, if Sunderland do end up ripping up Rodwell’s contract, he will be available on a free.
This is a player that has cost up to £15million in the past.
What more could Leeds want? Sign Rodwell and they would surely nail a top-six league finish this season.