Joe Rodon sets sights on Leeds becoming established Premier League side in 2026/27 | OneFootball

Joe Rodon has set a measured target for Leeds United in 2026/27, aiming to push on and become an established Premier League outfit after last season’s 14th-place finish, secured with three games to spare.

"As players, we always want to strive for more and we don't want to get carried away," Rodon told LUTV. "Now I think it's about pushing on and being established and see how far we can take that."

The centre-back stepped up with assurance in 2025/26, starting 33 matches, with only captain Ethan Ampadu featuring more. His performances underpinned a campaign that comfortably met the survival objective.

Pascal Struijk has joined Brighton in a £20million deal and goalkeeper Karl Darlow has signed for Manchester United, leaving Rodon alongside Jaka Bijol at the heart of defence. The focus this summer is genuine starting XI upgrades, with aims to build rather than talk up Europe.

Rodon and new arrival Harry Wilson reported back for pre-season testing this week.

"When we both joined here, we all knew the project and what we signed up for, so I think it's one step at a time. But of course, this season we want to push on again and push further."

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk