Mateo Joseph’s new side have largely struggled since his arrival to La Liga from Leeds United, but Mallorca are off the mark against Sevilla.
Leeds United have allowed the striker to join Mallorca on a season-long loan deal, but Mateo Joseph departed for Mallorca despite Leeds’ intent to retain him initially this summer.
Then, at the start of pre-season, Daniel Farke explained Joseph had chosen not to be involved. Later on in the summer, Farke confirmed Joseph was not in his plans and a deal was eventually struck.
Graham Smyth maintained a loan from Leeds for Joseph was the most likely option to materialise, and it did. The Spain U-21 international is now off the mark in Spain.
Mateo Joseph in action for Mallorca against Espanyol.
Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Leeds loanee Mateo Joseph scores his first goals for Mallorca
Of course, Joseph’s sale could help Leeds’ PSR situation immeasurably in the future, but it can be as late as next year instead now. In the end, a loan may well suit the Whites after Leeds were only willing to sell Joseph for the asking price.
It’s been a tough start for Joseph with Mallorca, with his new side winning one of their opening eight league games. They had lost five and drawn twice and sat inside the bottom three at the foot of the table.
He had started four of those eight matches, with the bench his place again against Sevilla. Joseph was introduced on 62 minutes with Mallorca 1-0 down to Victor Orta’s former side.
Considering Joseph’s hard start in La Liga with Mallorca, and with his side struggling, it has taken real character for him to score and pick his team up. Five minutes after his introduction, Vedat Muriqi scored.
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But Joseph got in on the act himself, scoring twice. He scored just minutes later with a strike from close range, before sealing the points with a finish from his left foot in the left-hand channel.
The first was excellent movement to create the space and the second a sumptuous finish across the goalkeeper. Per FotMob, he was Player of the Match with an 8.4 overall rating.
The Whites will hope that he does well, as his value as an asset can only increase. Joseph admitted he could play for Leeds again in an interview recently but a sale is more likely.
Realistically, there is not likely to be a Willy Gnonto-like revival of Joseph’s Leeds career. He has two goals and an assist now for his loan side.