Joe Rodon sets sights on making Leeds an established Premier League side | OneFootball

Joe Rodon says Leeds United should use the 2026/27 campaign to push on, aiming to become an established Premier League side.

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

The centre-back adapted quickly on his top-flight return, starting 33 matches in 2025/26, with only captain Ethan Ampadu featuring more. Leeds secured safety with three games to spare and finished 14th.

Pascal Struijk has joined Brighton for £20 million and goalkeeper Karl Darlow has moved to Manchester United on a free, leaving only Rodon and Jaka Bijol. Elland Road chiefs will look to improve on both if possible, prioritising genuine starting XI ceiling-raisers. The hope is Daniel Farke’s side can continue to build without getting ahead of themselves about Europe.

Rodon and his team-mates, including free agent arrival Harry Wilson, have reported back for pre-season testing. "It felt like it went quicker than it should have, but I'm delighted to be back and looking forward to the new season. I think the biggest difference coming into the Premier League last year is the mental side because every game you play is so difficult and offers different challenges."

"But of course, this season we want to push on again and push further."

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk