Leeds United: Mateo Joseph transfer verdict delivered at Elland Road amid ‘difficult’ scenario
Paul Robinson says Leeds United are in a “very difficult” position with regards to Mateo Joseph and his amount of playing time.
Joseph has caught the eye when called upon in recent weeks, having scored twice away at Chelsea while also netting in the draw at Watford.
The 20-year-old has yet to start a Championship game, however, and there have been suggestions he could seek minutes elsewhere.
However, with Willy Gnonto currently injured, Robinson believes he could be used more often in the coming games.
“It’s very difficult for Leeds, like a lot of other clubs at the moment,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“Whether you’re in the top six of the Championship or bottom six of the Premier League, everyone’s got their own budget.
“You have to adapt accordingly when you know what league you’re in. Joseph has done really well.
“The injury to Gnonto means he will get more game time. It depends on how Farke rotates, but you’d expect he’d get more minutes between now and the end of the season.”
Leeds United future of Mateo Joseph
Leeds fans are eager to see Joseph given a chance in the starting line-up, possibly at the expense of the currently misfiring Patrick Bamford.
Joseph took his chance with both hands against Chelsea on 28 February when scoring twice at Stamford Bridge – his first two senior strikes.
The youngster then struck a key goal at Vicarage Road, but he has just 50 minutes of action to his name since that double in West London.
It is important that Joseph remains patient given his young age, knowing that more opportunities will come.
The irony is that if Leeds are promoted, that could actually work against Joseph in terms of starting more games in 2024-25.
That could mean a loan move is on the cards, but there is no question Leeds should not allow him to leave permanently regardless of what league they are in.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke now has an easy decision to make on Dan James for the trip to Coventry City.
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