Mateo Joseph has got his wish of a return to Spain this week as Leeds United sanction a loan move to La Liga side Mallorca.
The season is just over a week away and Leeds’ striker department under Daniel Farke is only two strong: Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha.
That is because Patrick Bamford has been frozen out of plans and Mateo Joseph made his intentions clear to seek a return to Spain.
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Mateo Joseph touches down at Palma airport ahead of Mallorca transfer
Joseph rocked Daniel Farke with a request to leave the club back in July, refusing to travel with the squad on pre-season and making it known he wishes to move to a La Liga club.
(Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes)
The club he’s ended up making his move to is Mallorca, who finished 10th last season in the top flight, with an agreement in place for a straight loan.
Last night, Joseph was seen landing at Palma airport to complete the formalities of a transfer to Mallorca:
Leeds United reject permanent options in Mateo Joseph loan offers, Mallorca wanted £5m deal
A straight loan for the Spaniard to Mallorca sees Leeds knock back previous offers from clubs in La Liga to sign the player initially for the season, plus an option to buy in 2026.
Estadio Deportivo now report that Mallorca’s attempts to include such a clause were set at a staggeringly low €5-6million (£4.3-5.2million).
It’s worth noting that Leeds had previously rejected a £10million permanent bid from Real Betis back in January.
Leeds United need to hope for upturn in Mateo Joseph’s form for bid 2026 sale
Even selling for £10million wouldn’t be a huge boost for the club in reinvesting this summer, so kicking that down the road to next season makes some sense.
If Joseph can hit the form many expect him to, he’s going to see his value rise quite dramatically, which allows us a lucrative sale next summer.
While unlikely, Joseph having a good season in La Liga could restore his chances of playing regularly at Elland Road when his loan concludes.
Either way, a good spell with Mallorca is what Leeds are hoping for more than anything.
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