By Gareth James
Joe Rodon has revealed he was attracted by the growing Welsh influence at Championship club Leeds United after moving on a season-long loan from Tottenham.
The defender become Leeds’ fourth signing of the summer transfer window and could make his debut against Birmingham on Saturday.
Leeds were in need of defenders after Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Maximilian Wober all left following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
The 25-year-old Rodon has earned 37 caps for Wales since making his international debut in 2019 and featured in their Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022 campaigns.
But he has only made 15 League appearances for Spurs since joining from Swansea in October 2020.
💬 “The passion the fans show is magnificent” Watch our exclusive interview with new signing Joe Rodon pic.twitter.com/eaK8oQP7Hh
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2023
He will link up at Elland Road with international teammates Dan James and Ethan Ampadu and said: “DJ has been here a while now and it makes it easier for me to have him and Ethan here to settle.
“I met a few of the lads today and they’ve all been very welcoming, it’s exciting.”
Rodon began his career at Swansea and after a loan spell at Cheltenham, he went on to make his debut for the Swans in 2018.
He then joined Tottenham in 2020 and spent last season on loan with Ligue 1 side Rennes, where he made 22 appearances in all competitions as well and helped the club reach the knockout rounds of the Europa League.
“I know the history and it is a massive club, I can’t wait to get started and I am excited for the season ahead,” he added.
“I just feel like the project and the way the manager wants to play, it’s a great time for me to play here and improve.
“When Leeds came calling it was very hard for me to turn that down. I am really looking forward to the season ahead and being successful.
Joe Rodon ✖️ Leeds United 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/In2zDO6Ivr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2023
New Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has already reinforced his squad’s rear-guard this summer with the signing of Micky can de Ven from Wolfsburg for a fee which could reportedly rise to £43m.
It looked as though Rodon’s chances of more appearances for Spurs this season would against be severely restricted and he has opted to make the move a year out from the finals of Euro 2024.
He said: “As the years have gone on, I have learnt a lot of things.
“I am a ball playing centre-half and the way we want to play here, it starts from the back. It is important for me to brave and play with the team.
“Winning is the main thing and keeping the goals out is what I am all about.“Playing that way has always suited me over the years and having experience of playing against the manager before, it is amazing attractive football and that was a big factor of why I wanted to be here.
“I can’t wait to get started.”
🎙 Daniel Farke chats to the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Birmingham https://t.co/ECom28QVXF
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 10, 2023
