It was another frustrating night for Mateo Joseph on Monday night, as the on-loan Leeds United striker suffered a 3-2 defeat to Espanyol with Mallorca.
Leeds have loaned Spain U21 goal machine Joseph to Mallorca, a loan without a permanent option. Leeds were only willing to sell him if their asking price was met, or loan him out without including a clause.
It means next summer, when Joseph returns, Leeds will either have a better striker on their hands with more experience or a player they can sell for a bigger fee. That is of course, if Joseph shines at Mallorca.
Well, after four La Liga games, Joseph has started three times. But Mallorca are winless, and Joseph is goalless – though two of the four games have come against Real Madrid and Barcelona, and Espanyol.
Mateo Joseph in action for Mallorca against Espanyol.
Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Mallorca lose a five-goal thriller but Mateo Joseph earns praise
After defeats to both El Clasico sides and a draw against Celta Vigo, Joseph’s Mallorca faced an in-form Espanyol. They went 2-0 down quickly, but Joseph won a penalty, which Vedat Muriqi converted.
Espanyol went down to 10 men and after Muriqi equalised, Mallorca fancied their chances – only for Espanyol to win a penalty and secure a 3-2 win. Joseph was subbed off just after the hour mark.
Joseph made a telling impact but failed to score, again. However, La Zona 10’s Mallorca writer Juanmi Sanchez spotted Joseph trying to rally the troops after the half-time whistle, praised for his attitude.
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“Mateo Joseph may not be on target, but he doesn’t stop fighting hard. Now, after the half-time whistle, he has shaken hands and encouraged all his teammates going to the locker room. Top-notch attitude.”
Mateo Joseph compares life in Mallorca to Leeds United spell
While Leeds and Robbie Evans believe there is a chance Joseph will pull on the white of Leeds again, the way Joseph is acting on loan suggests his Leeds stint is a thing of the past, judging by his comments.
Speaking to Spanish media last week, Joseph said he prefers life in Spain: “Not the same. There aren’t as many things to do, but I knew it was the place I needed to be. It’s not the prettiest place, but it’s cozy.”
Joseph has three years left on his contract at Elland Road and by the time he returns, that will have gone down to two. If Leeds are to sell Joseph, next summer is the best opportunity before his value reduces.