Harry Wilson brings quality and flexibility to Leeds United – Joe Rodon thinks there will be more to come

Wilson was Leeds’ first signing this summer, 10 months after they first tried to buy him from Fulham. With time running out on that deal, the Whites had to sit tight until his contract expired in June.

But as a Wales team-mate of the playmaker, Rodon is delighted the deal eventually got done, and Wilson will take his place on the plane when Leeds leave for a pre-season tour of America later this week.

Although only £34.1m Bosnian central defender Tarik Muharemovic has joined since, more new faces are expected – and needed – and Rodon thinks Wilson's qualities are a good guide of what to expect.

"I think it's all about making the squad bigger but also adding quality," reflected centre-back Rodon.

"Especially with H being left-footed as well, it gives us that different dimension of player.

"I think the way this club's going and the direction we want to go, we just want to add quality and top players.

"Knowing H as well and seeing him over the years, I know what he can bring to this team and the value he will bring and I'm sure he will do really well for us so hopefully we will be very successful again in the (coming) season."

Wilson played primarily as a right winger for Fulham last season. Midway through the campaign Leeds changed shape to a 3-4-2-1 formation, where the 29-year-old's most obvious place would seem to be as an inside-right. But if the plan in 2026-27 is to be more tactically flexible, as Rodon hinted, he could help with that too.

As well as playing on the left, the Liverpool academy graduate has also played as an orthodox central midfielder and on occasions as a "false nine" – a centre-forward who drops into midfield, a la Harry Kane.

"I think it just makes it more competitive and everyone's fighting for positions," argued Rodon, who did the quite different jobs of central and outer centre-back when Leeds played a three last term.

"H can play four different positions. To have a player like that and able to play in completely different roles just allows us to be more flexible as a team. I think it just adds great value to the squad.

"I wish Harry all the best and hope he can help us this season."

After joining, Wilson revealed Leeds captain and Wales team-mate Ethan Ampadu has regularly rung him to persuade him to finally come to Elland Road, but he dodged the full weight of the club's Welsh contingent, which also includes Daniel James and until very recently goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

"H wasn't with the national team this summer because I think he had stuff to sort out and he was a free agent so it's very risky for a player – anything could happen," said Rodon.

"So, we didn't really get to see him, but I'm sure Ethan was on to him in the background, chipping away at him.

"He's here now and that's all that matters."

Leeds play Wrexham (Saturday), Sunderland (July 31) and Liverpool (August 2) during their trip to America. Their Premier League season kicks off at Nottingham Forest on August 22.