A handful of Leeds United’s promotion-winning side have now left the club with Daniel Farke’s squad already looking largely different to the one that secured a place in the Premier League.
Junior Firpo and Josuha Guilavogui have left on free transfers, Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell have returned to parent clubs with Rothwell since joining Rangers, and two players have left Leeds on loan.
Max Wober has gone to Werder Bremen, and Charlie Crew has returned to Doncaster. There are still a whole heap of players set to go, with Joe Gelhardt, Illan Meslier, and Patrick Bamford just to name a few.
Another, of course, is Mateo Joseph. Daniel Farke reported in Germany that Joseph has requested to go, with Spanish clubs Real Betis, Girona and Celta Vigo all linked with a move during the summer window.
Pablo Torre and Mateo Joseph in action for Spain's U21 side.
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Now, Mateo Joseph is finally closing in on a Leeds United exit
On Wednesday, reports claimed that La Liga side Real Mallorca were in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Joseph. Leeds were only willing to let Joseph go if their asking price was met, or if a deal was a straight loan.
Until now, none of the interested clubs had been keen to meet Leeds’ price tag, or offer a loan without an option. LeedsUnited.News understands Leeds and Joseph had agreed to do a move if £10m was offered.
Now, Mallorca have offered a straight loan, meaning Joseph remains a Leeds player. According to Marca, new Mallorca signing Pablo Torre is constantly trying to convince Joseph to leave and join Mallorca.
Joseph has spoken with Mallorca’s sporting director Pablo Ortells, and Torre is a childhood friend of the Leeds striker. All the stars are beginning to align, and Joseph will join La Liga’s 10th-placed 24-25 side.
Mateo Joseph in action for Leeds.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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Which strikers are Leeds pursuing as Joseph and Bamford go?
With Joseph set for Mallorca and Bamford told he can leave the club, Leeds need additions up top. Just 11 days separate now and the opening game against Everton, leaving Leeds with just two strikers.
Joel Piroe has four goals during pre-season, new signing Lukas Nmecha has two. But Leeds have always planned to sign a starting striker with Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz remaining a priority for Leeds this summer.
Reports in Italy this week say Leeds are ‘close’ to signing Inter Milan’s experienced striker Mehdi Taremi, having seen off competition from West Ham, Fulham and Forest. But nothing seems imminent, just yet.