Paraag Marathe and Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Sat 2 August 2025 7:10, UK
Leeds have been active in the transfer market so far, but there is still plenty more business to be done.
Several defenders, two midfielders and a new goalkeeper have arrived at Elland Road, but the attack needs reinforcing.
Leeds have faced frustration over some of their transfer targets going elsewhere, and still need to sign a striker and a winger before the season begins.
Daniel Farke has been given backing by Paraag Marathe and the 49ers Enterprises, but the pair are now set to disagree over one player.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke waving at fans
Farke needs new attackers (Credit: Imago)
Farke is happy to let Joseph leave
Leeds face a dilemma over the future of Mateo Joseph, with the striker handing in a transfer request to force through a move to La Liga.
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Joseph’s refusal to turn up to pre-season training clearly irked his manager, and Farke recently hinted that he would allow the striker to leave if he did not want to be there.
“I’ve spoken openly and honestly with him about the situation and have strongly recommended that until the situation is sorted, he should do the job and be professional.
“He said he’s not in the mental state to do this. What should I do? I can’t call the police to drag him here on the training pitch,” Farke stated after Leeds beat FC Verl in a friendly (The Sun, 22 July).
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Championship 39 3 3
Joseph made 39 appearances in the Championship last season
“He has also hinted he prefers a move to Spain due to his Spanish roots and, yes, that was more or less his call.
“We just want players who are excited about the project to play with Leeds United in the best league in the world, here in the Premier League, who want to be here with us and want to be successful with us.
“If this is your wish, I, as a manager, won’t stand in the way, and I accept this because I just want players who want to be here and are buzzing. I’ve said, ‘Okay, Mateo, I accept this, I won’t stand in the way.'”
However, despite Joseph not featuring in Farke’s plans anyway, there may be a conflict between the manager and the owners, as they do not see eye to eye over the player.
Mateo Joseph
Joseph wants to return to Spain (credit: Imago)
Marathe is keen on keeping Joseph
The Athletic (1 August) have now reported that despite Joseph’s desire to leave Leeds and Farke’s willingness to sell, Marathe is less eager to part ways with the 21-year-old.
It is claimed that Marathe rates Joseph very highly, and with a lot of time and money invested in the attacker, he could be less willing to let him depart permanently.
A solution needs to be reached as soon as possible. Joseph clearly has no desire to be at Leeds, while Farke needs a new striker before the season starts.
Marathe must now find the best solution, and this could be a straight loan, where Joseph can move to Spain but remain on Leeds’ books, while Farke works with the players who have shown a desire to play in the Premier League.
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