Junior Firpo during his time at Leeds United
(Credit: Imago)
Jack Dawson
Fri 8 August 2025 8:40, UK
Mateo Joseph looks to be another failed transfer at Leeds United.
Since his move to Elland Road in 2022, the striker has done little to impress and has struggled to find the net.
As a result, a move away looks likely this summer, with Mallorca closing in on a loan deal for Joseph.
The 21-year-old’s development is in great contrast to what many thought would happen to the striker, with many believing he had great potential, including Junior Firpo.
Leeds United's Mateo Joseph.
Joseph has struggled at Leeds (Credit: Imago)
Junior Firpo got it wrong on Joseph
While Firpo has now left Leeds, the full-back is still held in high regard.
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Firpo was essential last season in helping Leeds win promotion, earning plenty of plaudits for his performances.
However, the full-back’s football takes may still need refining, given what he said about Joseph to the Yorkshire Evening Post on 5 August 2024.
He stated: “With Mateo, it’s a special thing, he came here when he was really young and I’ve been with him all these years. I could see him growing up, being the player he is right now. He’s not just scoring goals.
“He’s scored a lot in pre-season – it’s all the work that he puts in, the effort, he tracks back defending with us, holding the ball up, going on the counter, I think he has everything to be a really, really good striker.”
Joseph joined Leeds from Espanyol in 2022
The attacker has played 73 times for the Peacocks since
Joseph has been pushing for a departure this summer
In hindsight, it is obvious that Firpo was wrong about Joseph.
Last season alone, the attacker only found the net three times despite featuring in 41 matches.
Despite all these chances, Joseph has proven that he is incapable of hitting the heights expected of him.
Going into the Premier League, the 21-year-old will only look more out of depth, and Leeds are doing well to remove him from the squad.
Hopefully, the loan move will go through for Joseph, and he can look to unlock his previous potential.
Leeds United
Firpo left Leeds in the summer (Credit: Imago)
Leeds need to rid themselves of more deadwood
With Joseph now nearing an exit, there are still plenty of other stars Leeds need to rid themselves of.
Patrick Bamford is the most obvious, with the striker costing Leeds a fortune.
By losing players such as this, it frees up potential wages and could allow Daniel Farke to make additional moves in the transfer window.
Therefore, looking for potential suitors for these stars has to be among Leeds’ priorities this month.
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