Mateo Joseph has just finished his fourth season with Leeds United, and it could quite easily be his last.
Joseph is still a young striker learning his trade at Elland Road under Daniel Farke.
But this season has proven to be an obstacle for the Leeds forward, who has only had 11 league starts.
This brought attention elsewhere in January, as Real Betis offered £8m for Joseph, and now a £12.75m price-tag has been put on the 21-year-old.
Finally though, Joseph has spoken out and made a bold admission about his future in Yorkshire.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
With the striker having to settle for second choice this season behind Joel Piroe, it has kind of disregarded Farke calling Joseph ‘important’.
He has played his part with six goal contributions, but it doesn’t paint a great picture for his future endeavours with the club.
It was even claimed by the Leeds boss that Joseph was the ‘new Erling Haaland’, but he hasn’t been able to consistently show this promise.
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Speaking to content creator Papa Pincus, the Spanish youngster has now said something about his future with Leeds in the Premier League.
“It’s not been the best season on the pitch,” Joseph said
“If we get promoted, it will be good for everyone (interview before promotion).
“I know that next season will be better than this one, definitely individually.”
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How Joseph compares to Leeds’ recent striker targets this summer
It seems like the Spaniard is committed to waiting for his chance at Leeds, and you have to rate his patience.
Farke will seemingly bring in another number nine making matters worse for Joseph who even rejected Real Madrid to be in this position.
As Piroe already has a place up on him, looking at the other targets that could come in, Joseph might see his fortunes better elsewhere, with two recent striker targets potentially putting an end to his stay in Yorkshire.
Mateo Joseph Troy Parrott – interest Beto – interest
Games played/started 39/11 28/27 28/13
Goals 3 14 8
Shots on target per 90 1.13 1.36 1.47
Expected goals per 90 (xG) 0.36 0.62 0.44
Touches in opposition box 5.89 6.28 5.67
Of course, a striker signing might not happen, but with the 49ers set to spend £100m, you’d expect a new number nine to come through the door.
Either Joseph looks for a loan, or he accepts a move to Betis as the best next step in his early career.