Rodrigo: Leeds United sign Valencia forward and Robin Koch

Rodrigo MorenoGetty Images

Rodrigo scored seven goals for Valencia last season and previously had a loan spell at Bolton

Leeds United have signed Spain forward Rodrigo from Valencia for a club record 29m euro (£26m) fee.

Rodrigo, 29, has signed a four-year contract with Marcelo Bielsa's side, who are back in the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

Leeds' previous record transfer was former England captain Rio Ferdinand, who cost £18m from West Ham in 2000.

The newly promoted side have also signed Germany defender Robin Koch, 24, from Freiburg for an undisclosed fee.

Rodrigo had a spell in England with Bolton Wanderers in 2010-11 and initially joined Valencia on loan from Portuguese side Benfica in 2014.

Born in Brazil, he made his Spain debut in 2014 and has scored eight goals in 22 international appearances.

He scored 59 goals in 220 games for Valencia, helping the La Liga club win the Copa del Rey in 2018-19.

Leeds released a video of Rodrigo thanking the club's fans for their "messages on social media" welcoming him to Elland Road, before signing off with: "Come on Leeds, marching on together."

In an Instagram video to Valencia supporters, he said: "After six seasons, it's time to separate our pathway. It's been a very tough decision but I believe it's time to take on a new challenge."

The Spanish club confirmed a deal had been agreed on Tuesday, posting on social media: "Valencia want to thank Rodrigo Moreno for his commitment and effort over the past six seasons.

"We wish him all the best in this new stage of his career at Leeds United."

Koch has signed a four-year deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2024.

The centre-back, capped twice by Germany, played 87 times for Freiburg and helped them finish eighth in the Bundesliga last season.

He has been included in his country's squad to face Spain and Switzerland in the Nations League next week.

The 6ft 4in centre-back said working with Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa "was one of the points for me to come here to Leeds".

Koch consulted Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich, with whom he played alongside at previous club Kaiserslautern, for an insight into life under the Argentine coach.

"I talked to the players and Klich said 'yeah, the coach really makes us better'. I heard that from a lot of people, but to hear it directly from a player under him, it was good for me."

Leeds won the Championship by 10 points last season to secure their return to the top flight for the first time since 2004.

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