Sky Sports pundit proposes ‘incentive-based’ wage system as Leeds United youngster Mateo Joseph set for big-money deal
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson is concerned that Leeds United might be offering too much money to Mateo Joseph as details of a new contract emerged at the weekend.
Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon on Sunday (27 November) that Leeds are set to offer the 19-year-old striker a deal worth around £1million-a-year (£19,000-a-week) including bonuses.
Joseph, who joined Leeds from Espanyol in January, has played just two times in the Whites’ senior side since his arrival from his native Spain.
Robinson doesn’t know whether to fully believe Nixon’s claim about Joseph’s proposed wages but he still feels young players may be earning too much these days.
“It seems a lot for a young player who’s barely played in the first team but it’s only reported wages and it’s difficult to talk about something that’s hearsay,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“But if it is that type of money then young players are rewarded a lot heavier than they were years ago.
“You quite often find youngsters losing their hunger and their drive because they get far too much too soon.
“If that is the case, it’s a hefty contract for a player at a club like Leeds who’s still got a lot to prove.
“It’s far too much. I’m a big believer in contracts for youngsters being incentive-based.
“Basic wage should be in line for other youngsters at the same age unless they’ve broken into the first team and playing regularly.”
Joseph has been on fire for Leeds’ Under-21s this season with 11 goals in eight Premier League 2 appearances.
Jesse Marsch handed him his senior debut against Wolves in the Carabao Cup last month, playing him the entire 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat at Molineux.
He then played him for the first time in the Premier League as a late substitute in the 4-3 defeat at Tottenham prior to the World Cup break.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are aiming to get this “human wrecking ball” out of Elland Road in January.