Joe Rodon targets established Premier League status for Leeds United in 2026/27 | OneFootball

Joe Rodon says Leeds United want to push on and become an established Premier League side in 2026/27 after last season’s 14th-place return, as the club reshape a defence hit by summer departures. The centre-back was a mainstay in 2025/26 and believes the goals now shift beyond survival.

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

Rodon started 33 matches, with only captain Ethan Ampadu beginning more, as Leeds secured safety with three games to spare.

Half of last season’s starting back three and the goalkeeper have departed. Pascal Struijk has joined Brighton in a £20 million deal and Karl Darlow’s free transfer to Manchester United was confirmed on Tuesday, leaving only Rodon and Jaka Bijol.

Elland Road chiefs will look to improve on both positions if possible, with the priority this summer being genuine starting XI ceiling-raisers.

"It felt like it went quicker than it should have! But I'm delighted to be back and looking forward to the new season,” Rodon said.

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

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk