Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph has been linked with numerous Spanish teams so far in the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds United have been backed into a corner somewhat regarding Mateo Joseph after he refused to turn up to pre-season training. In recent weeks, Leeds United News exclusively revealed that Joseph is keen on a return to Spain.
That was despite other reports stating Leeds are intent on keeping Joseph prior to it. Then, speaking after the first pre-season friendly of the summer, Daniel Farke explained Joseph had chosen not to be involved.
Farke confirmed Joseph is not in his plans still following the Villarreal pre-season draw on Saturday. It left the writing very much on the wall for the 21-year-old this summer regarding his future at Elland Road.
Mateo Joseph celebrates scoring for Spain's U21 side.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Mateo Joseph has serious interest from Spanish side RCD Espanyol
Celta Vigo have also joined the Joseph race of late, but there has been serious interest in Joseph from Real Betis for quite some time now. The La Liga duo appeared to be the likeliest destinations for Joseph.
It was then reported that Betis wanted a loan for Joseph or a deal between £8.5 million and £13 million, perhaps inclusive of add-ons or some sort of sell-on clause being involved as well.
However, Graham Smyth said a loan for Joseph was most likely to be the outcome this summer, with the striker having three years left on his Elland Road contract and thus allowing Leeds to weigh up the situation next summer.
It turns out Joseph is not going to be joining either Celta Vigo or Real Betis, but a different La Liga side instead. That’s because Joseph and Leeds have agreed a deal with RCD Espanyol.
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El Mallorca se fija en Mateo Joseph.
Mallorca y Leeds mantienen conversaciones avanzadas para la cesión simple del delantero español.
El Leeds ha rechazado todas las propuestas de traspaso recibidas en las ultimas semanas por el; la única fórmula que contempla el club inglés… pic.twitter.com/vuen9ZVumw
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) August 6, 2025
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Italian transfer journalist Matteo Moretto states that Mallorca are eyeing Joseph and that the two clubs are in advanced talks for a loan deal for the Spanish striker.
He adds that Leeds have rejected all transfer offers received in recent weeks; the only option the English club is considering is a loan without an option to buy and it means that Mallorca are well positioned.
Mateo Joseph looks on during Leeds United vs QPR.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mateo Joseph’s PSR situation if he heads out on loan from Leeds
Next summer will be interesting for Joseph, with Leeds then having a decision to make over his future. There is not likely to be a Willy Gnonto-like revival of Joseph’s Leeds career.
Harry Gray is the third-choice striker at the club if Joseph leaves; it highlights their need to get a centre-forward through the door as swiftly as possible.
Joseph will hope that La Liga provides him more opportunities to impress and a platform to shine. He is rejoining the club from which Leeds and Victor Orta signed him back in 2022, too.
Leeds can wait to sell players for PSR next summer up until June 30th. Joseph could be among those next year and his value could increase before then providing he performs.
Joseph’s sale can help Leeds’ PSR situation immeasurably, but it can be as late as next year instead.