Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph is yet to decide on his future at the club, currently on Spain U21 duty in the European Championships, but could be subject to a serious transfer offer from Real Betis soon enough.
Leeds have tough decisions to make in their squad when it comes to improving for the Premier League, which includes having some players leave in order to balance out for PSR.
Youngsters and those with lower book value are the ones that could be shipped out for decent fees in order to facilitate better spending, and Mateo Joseph is one of those that could
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Leeds United’s Mateo Joseph future in doubt amid Real Betis interest
There is no imminent decision to be made on Joseph’s whereabouts this summer, given that he’s currently playing for Spain in the U21 European Championships, and the tournament could have a major bearing on what transpires for the striker.
Real Betis are notably keen on signing the 21-year-old, but after being rejected in their £10million approach in January, this competition could help Leeds in raising the player’s value for a possible sale – amid reports that £12.75million is where the Seville club aim to start the bidding this summer.
(Action Images/John Sibley)
Joseph penned a long-term contract extension back in January 2024, seeing his deal run for a further three years until the summer of 2028, meaning they hold the power in any permanent transfer negotiations.
“I want to play more” – Mateo Joseph speaks on Leeds United future
For the striker, next season is about developing further and playing much more than he did in the 24/25 season.
Speaking to AS about his current situation, he confirmed that there haven’t been any discussions yet about a transfer or staying put, but also that his desire it to play more than he has been lately at Elland Road.
“We achieved the goal as a team, but I personally have been left wanting to participate more in the final stretch of the season,” Joseph said. “I think I need more participation to continue developing as a soccer player.
“The season has just ended and you have to stop to evaluate. We have been promoted to the Premier League. We’ll see what the club says, but I want to play more to keep growing.
“I’m very focused on the tournament and will have to talk to Leeds, with whom I haven’t yet. Then whatever happens will happen, which is certainly the best thing for everyone. I’ll be ready for the opportunities they give me wherever they may be.”
Is Mateo Joseph set to leave Leeds United after these comments?
It’s entirely fair for Joseph to want to play more, but it’s also reasonable as to why Farke didn’t give him more chances during the promotion run-in, because we turned our form around and Joel Piroe looked outstanding.
Ahead of the Premier League, you fear that the playing time situation for Joseph at Leeds is only going in one direction, and that’s not with him playing more.
We have Lukas Nmecha signed to go along with Piroe and Patrick Bamford, plus plans for a new big-money signing that is likely going to be the starting nine – so where does Joseph get his playing opportunities?
It seems most likely that if Joseph wants to play more next season, it’ll have to be via an exit from Leeds, be that on loan or permanently.