By Paul Jones
Joe Rodon has completed his permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur to Leeds United for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £10m.
The Wales defender returns to the Championship club following an impressive loan spell at Elland Road last season. He has now committed to a four-year contract, extending through to the summer of 2028.
Rodon began his career in the academy at Swansea City, breaking into the first team and making his debut for his hometown club in 2018. He went on to make over 50 appearances.
His strong performances with the Swans earned him a call-up to the national team, where he debuted in 2019.
https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1808072658468176122
Rodon played a crucial role in helping Wales qualify for UEFA Euro 2020 and made history by aiding his country in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, their first appearance on the world stage since 1958.
The 26-year-old is nearing 50 international caps and has amassed significant experience during this time.
Rodon’s consistent performances at both the Sky Bet Championship and international levels attracted interest from other clubs, leading to his move to Spurs in the Premier League in 2020.
He further developed his game in the top flight and spent time on loan with Ligue 1 side Rennes, where he gained Europa League experience.
In the 2023/24 season, Rodon joined Daniel Farke’s Leeds United on loan, becoming a key figure in the defense with 50 appearances across all competitions.
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Having become a fan favorite at Elland Road, Rodon has now made his stay permanent, marking Leeds United’s first summer signing ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Manager Daniel Farke was very keen to be reunited with Rodon, who featured in all but two Championship matches last season.
The defender played a key role in Leeds’ push to secure promotion to the Premier League, starting 45 league games, including all three play-off clashes.
#ICYMI: Wales centre half Joe Rodon has signed for Leeds United on a permanent deal from Spurs ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/SpkmzOI80b
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 2, 2024
Rodon’s efforts earned him praise from Farke last season when the German said: “What I like about him is that he has an old-school attitude, but he’s a perfect role model of a modern defender as well.
“Because he is quick and good on the ball and you can defend with him on the high line.
“He also has good body language and leadership and it is also a topic we have worked on a bit since the beginning of the season. He has grown more and more into this role and he leads from the backline.
“I am pretty pleased that we have him and it was the same 30 years ago and it will be the same in 20 years that the first thing you have to do as a defender is defend really properly.
“This is what he is doing and so far, so good and if he goes on in this way, we will all be pretty happy.”
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