49ers Enterprises play hardball at Leeds United after Mateo Joseph exit development
Mateo Joseph was the subject of late interest at Leeds United, with an exit possible in the final hours of the winter transfer window.
The Whites decided to sign zero new players in the window, with Daniel Farke admitting he is happy with what he has, sitting top of the Championship at Elland Road.
It was nearly different in the final days though, with Real Betis making a late £8.2million swoop, as developments at the 49ers Enterprises took centre stage.
49ers emerge victorious in Leeds United negotiations
Dan Plumley has insisted that despite the disappointment of no new signings for Leeds fans, keeping hold of players is the other side of the story.
The football finance expert admits that the 49ers Enterprises were prepared to play hardball to keep the likes of Joseph, regardless of the money on the table.
“This is the other side of the coin,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“In January, that is what is really important and something we don’t speak about enough.
“It’s not just about the players that you bring in, but it’s about the players you keep and you keep that consistency in the squad and if they’re doing well, actually, holding on to some of those players is as much of a win in a January transfer window as it is new incomings.
“It shows that the owners are prepared to play hardball and are not going to let players go just because the money is there because keeping that squad together could get them up and that’s a positive.”
Mateo Joseph on course for Premier League
After being unearthed from Spain and firing his way to the first team, Joseph could be on a one-way journey to the Premier League with Leeds.
Despite becoming a rotation option at Elland Road, he will not care, especially after the crazy scenes that followed the 2-1 win over Sunderland.
Joseph is happy where he is, and keeping this squad together was crucial with 13 finals left to play.