Mateo Joseph verdict shared amid Leeds United struggle – Exclusive
Mateo Joseph has been a constant figure in Leeds United’s matchday squads, though he has rarely been afforded the chance to start.
Leeds United still have promotion in their sight, though a significant drop off in form has seen them fall out of the top two places in the Championship.
Daniel Farke’s side have won just one of their last six encounters, with the latest 1-1 draw way to Luton Town serving as a showcase of their struggles.
Throughout that period, Joseph has spent the majority of the time on the bench, in what may prove to be a mistake come the end of the season.
Leeds rejected winter bid for Joseph
Leeds failed to take advantage of the winter transfer window, when many knew that the signing of a striker would have significantly boosted their chances of promotion.
Over the past few weeks, Leeds have struggled to score goals, with just eight goals in their last six compared to nine in the previous three.
The Whites did turn down a bid from Real Betis for Joseph in the winter, who Paul Robinson thinks is Leeds’ best striker despite his inability to contribute regularly.
When asked by MOT Leeds News if the Spaniard may leave this summer, he said: “No, I think he’s a good player. They rebuffed that bid for a reason, because I think he’s a good young player. He started the season, and I’ve always said it, I like him, but it’s a funny thing to say. I think he’s the best striker they’ve got, but he doesn’t score goals, but I think that’s to do with his age, his youth and his development.
| Leeds United | Appearances | Started | Goals | Assists |
| Joseph | 37 | 11 | 3 | 3 |
“I think a player like him, he’d be a good asset in the Premier League to have on the bench, to have as an option. He’s not going to start every week, but I think as a young player, I still think there’s a lot more to come for him.
“I think there’s a reason that Leeds turned that bid down in January, obviously because of the squad size and the inability to maybe recruit again in that area and the injuries to Patrick Bamford, but actually I think he’s a player that I rate and I think that the club rates him and his price tag is not going to be affected by staying again for another year at Leeds.”
Leeds will need to recruit a striker this summer
Focus for now will be on securing promotion, but then Leeds will swiftly turn their attention to the transfer window, regardless of which league they are in.
Josh Sargent has already been linked with Leeds, showcasing that the Whites are aware of the need for a new striker, though only time will tell if they are successful in that pursuit.