Bamba becomes third Leeds United signing

The defender impressed when he spent the second-half of last season on loan at Elland Road and has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year.

Bamba, 30, made 19 appearances for the Whites scoring once after joining on-loan in January last season and is the third signing for new manager Uwe Rosler, following Charlie Horton and Lee Erwin’s arrivals at LS11.

Bamba had rejected the Whites’ initial efforts to re-sign him but after the owner tabled a new offer, the defender agreed to return to the club.

The defender caused controversy with owner Massimo Cellino after openly criticising the sacking of Steve Thompson and Neil Redfearn’s treatment by the club.

He has also spent time with Leicester City, Turkish side Trabzonspor and Scottish sides Hibernian and Dunfermline Athletic.

In a statement on the club website, Leeds said: We are delighted to confirm that defender Sol Bamba has returned to the club on a permanent basis after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Italian side Palermo.

“Bamba made a big impression during his 19 appearances while on loan in 2014/15, with the Ivory Coast international becoming a regular fixture in defence and captaining the side on several occasions.

“Following the end of his initial loan stint at Leeds, the defender made it abundantly clear that he was hoping to stay permanently and has now signed on the dotted line to end weeks of speculation.”