The Mateo Joseph saga is set to be shelved for 12 months, with the Leeds United striker now closing in on a temporary exit from Elland Road and a year’s stay in La Liga.
To the shock of all those connected with Leeds United, Daniel Farke confirmed after the game against SC Verl in Germany that Joseph had told him he wanted to exit Leeds. A return to Spain looked on the cards.
Then, it emerged that Joseph had informed Farke he did not want to fly to Germany and join pre-season with his teammates. On Saturday, a sheepish-looking Joseph was spotted in the Elland Road tunnel.
Betis had looked to be the front runners for Joseph, after Betis had a £10m offer for Joseph rejected in the January window. Since then, Celta Vigo and Girona have both been linked with Spain U21 star.
Pablo Torre and Mateo Joseph in action for Spain's U21 side.
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Mateo Joseph in advanced talks to join new La Liga suitor
But on Wednesday night, it emerged that Joseph was set to join Mallorca. His childhood friend Pablo Torre has just moved to Mallorca, and Torre has been busy trying to convince Joseph to join him.
Mallorca finished in a lofty 10th position last season and are looking to push on, adding Joseph on a straight loan deal. But there’s an issue with joining Mallorca, if you delve past their tenth-placed finish.
Last season, Mallorca scored just 35 league goals in 38 games. Only two teams scored fewer than they did. One of those was Valladolid, they finished last. Joseph is joining a side that do not score many goals.
Mateo Joseph looks on ahead of Hull City vs Leeds United.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Leeds United plan would be in tatters with Mallorca loan move
Leeds were only willing to let Joseph go if their asking price was met, or if a loan was without an option to buy. They want their asking price paid, or they want him to go on loan, score goals, and see his value rise.
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But joining a side that are more focused on keeping the ball out of the net than putting in the goal is a worry when Leeds need him to score goals to increase his value. Joseph of course, could change that.
He could join Mallorca and with attacking midfielder Torre, shine. Mallorca’s top scorers last season both got seven goals, and if Joseph only manages that, his value is hardly going to increase substantially.