Leeds United won the Championship and secured a direct promotion to the Premier League. During that march to glory, Mateo Joseph played 1,270 minutes from 39 league games, managing three goals and three assists.
The striker is with Spain’s U21s at the ongoing Euros, and Friday’s edition of AS has published an interview with him.
During the course of the discussion, the 21-year-old was asked to review his season with the Whites.
“We achieved our goal as a team, but I personally want to be more involved in the final stretch of the season. I think I need more participation to continue developing as a player,” he said.
The newspaper immediately asked Joseph whether he’ll seek that at Leeds United or a club outside England.
Responding to that, Joseph explained: “The season has just ended, and we have to stop and evaluate. We’ve been promoted to the Premier League. We’ll see what the club says, but I want to play more to continue growing.”
Real Betis are edging closer towards completing the signing of Leeds’ Junior Firpo and are also looking at Joseph. Five days ago, ABC Sevilla reported the La Liga club are working to find an agreement with the attacker before starting negotiations with Daniel Farke’s side.
AS asked the Spaniard about Real Betis, who have qualified for the Europa League, and whether he would like to play alongside Isco.
“There are many players in the Spanish national team that I’d like to play with. It would mean I’m at a very big club,” he added.
“We’ll see what happens. For now, I’m focused on the European Championship, and my goal next year is to be more involved.”
On moving to La Liga in the future, Joseph said: “Like in Spain, you can’t live anywhere. Of course, at some point, I’d be delighted to play in La Liga again.”
Alberto Moleiro left UD Las Palmas for Villarreal earlier this week. Online, AS pointed that out and told Joseph that there are others in the Spain U21 squad whose futures are still open, i.e… himself.
When asked if he gets distracted by this, he said: “It’s true that Moleiro already knows his future, and that gives him some peace of mind, but the lack of clarity about my future doesn’t affect me.
“I’m very focused on the tournament, and I’ll have to talk to Leeds, with whom I haven’t yet. Then whatever has to happen will happen, which is certainly the best thing for everyone. I’ll be ready for the opportunities they give me, wherever they may be.”