Joe Rodon addresses Leeds United return as Championship club hunt for more signings

Classy defender Joe Rodon is raring to go after securing a permanent move to Leeds United. The Wales international left Premier League Tottenham on Tuesday, joining the Whites in a deal worth about £10m.

United beat off Premier League competition from Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Brentford to land Rodon. His return softened the blow of Archie Gray's heartbreaking exit.

Rodon was a mainstay of the Whites defence last year as Daniel Farke's troops finished third in the Championship. The 26-year-old quickly established himself as a big fans' favourite, making 50 appearances across all competitions.

Read more: Leeds United unveil 2024/25 home kit after eye-catching Red Bull partnership

The former Swansea City youngster acquitted himself well alongside Pascal Struijk in the first half of the season. Struijk suffered a serious injury on Boxing Day away to Preston North End, prompting Farke to drop Ethan Ampadu into the back four. Ampadu and Rodon formed a strong partnership together, playing key roles in United's top-two push.

Rodon has addressed the club's supporters for the first time since sealing his Elland Road return. He posted on his Instagram account: “So happy to be back at this great club! I’ve always felt so at home here and I’m looking forward to a big season!”

It remains to be seen whether Rodon will be joined in West Yorkshire by his Wales teammate Connor Roberts. The attack-minded full-back is back at Burnley, having found regular game time hard to come by during his loan spell with the Whites last term. But with Gray, Luke Ayling, Cody Drameh and Jamie Shackleton having all left the club this summer, United are short on options on the right side of their defence.