Mateo Joseph is quickly becoming this summer’s version of 2023 Willy Gnonto after refusing to travel to Germany, but yet to engineer a move away from Daniel Farke’s Leeds United.
Joseph was nowhere to be seen against Man United in Stockholm, with Daniel Farke saying Joseph felt he was not ready, even though Willy Gnonto had travelled. Both played at the U21 European Championships.
Then, after the first of two friendlies in Germany, Farke confirmed Joseph had informed him of his desire to leave Leeds. Indeed, Farke said Joseph had refused to travel to Germany to train with his teammates.
Showing similarity with Gnonto’s attempts to leave in 2023 and refusal to play, Joseph is yet to receive any firm bids for his signature. Joseph was in attendance on Saturday, but was not involved in the squad.
Daniel Farke looks on ahead of Leeds United v Villarreal CF - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Daniel Farke responds when asked about striker Mateo Joseph
With Joseph absent despite Leeds missing a number of attacking players through injury on Saturday, it was clear that nothing has changed regarding the Spain U21 striker’s desperation to leave Elland Road.
Quoted by BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast after the 1-1 draw against Villarreal, Farke was asked if the situation remains the same regarding Joseph. The Leeds manager confirmed he is not in his plans.
“We spoke. He didn’t feel ready to train, or to travel to Stockholm or Germany. We can’t afford to have a member in the squad who is distracted or not committed; he’s definitely not in our plans,” Farke said.
Leeds United's Mateo Joseph prior to game vs Hull City.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The three Spanish clubs pushing to sign Mateo Joseph
LeedsUnited.News understands that Joseph and Leeds have agreed a deal will be rubber-stamped if an interested party bids £10m. Betis tabled such a fee in January, but are yet to do the same this summer.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Betis remain interested in Joseph, while ambitious Girona are also looking at Joseph. Another Spanish side, in the form of Celta Vigo, are also said to be in the running while Birmingham City were linked.
So, while there is interest, nothing seems to be fast-paced when it comes to a move. Interested parties are keen to do a loan deal while Leeds would rather rid themselves of Joseph permanently if a fee is agreed.