Real Betis remain frustrated over their failure to sign Mateo Joseph from Leeds United this summer.
[That’s according to ABC](https://www.abc.es/deportes/alfinaldelapalmera/noticias-betis/mateo-joseph-delantero-modelado-paco-gallardo-mallorca-20251101072609-nts_amp.html), who cover the striker today. They say Betis remain frustrated over the failure to sign a striker. Joseph was the one they wanted in particular.
According to the newspaper the Leeds striker was ‘the player chosen by the sporting director’. And there was a feeling that a deal was doable too. Jospeh wanted out as he was ‘frustrated’ with Leeds boss Daniel Farke.
“The deal was very close with Betis, who were the first club to show interest, but it couldn’t be finalized,” a source close to the negotiations told ABC.
They explain that it was Leeds’ high demands which saw the deal collapse. Leeds would only accept a transfer fee above €15m. They also refused to accept a purchase option in the loan deal. They, presumably, wanted a purchase obligation.
This led to a breakdown in negotiations with Betis and prolonged what had been a ‘tense process’ of talks. Ultimately, everyone was left frustrated.
Joseph’s name had been circling at Heliópolis for some time. They’ve long had him on their radar as a potential signing. Now they have to watch him playing for Mallorca, who swooped in and took advantage of the breakdown to sign him themselves.
That came after a ‘turbulent summer’ in which Joseph wanted out of Leeds but talks with Betis proved difficult and ultimately, unsuccessful.