Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Mon 4 May 2026 17:40, UK

Leeds United thought they had the future of their forward line sorted with Mateo Joseph, but it hasn’t worked out that way.

The Spaniard started the 2024/25 season looking like he was going to be the go-to man for Daniel Farke in the Championship.

He became a regular starter after the departures of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, but didn’t make that opportunity count.

The forward may have made 41 appearances last season, but with just three goals, it was no surprise he was let out on loan.

Things haven’t gone well for Joseph at Mallorca, but it could still prove to be a mistake for Leeds not to give him a final chance at Elland Road.

Mateo Joseph value plummeting after Mallorca loan

As a now 22-year-old, the striker hasn’t quite hit the heights expected of him from the early stages of his career in Yorkshire.

The number of appearances after breaking into the first team proves that point and shows how much backing he had from Farke and Co.

That hasn’t transpired into LaLiga, and he has scored just two goals with Mallorca since joining them in the summer.

As poor as that may sound, it may prove to be a worthwhile venture for Leeds to utilise him as part of their squad moving into next season.

That seems silly, but there are many reasons why it makes sense from his point of difference as a striker with pace, that the Whites don’t really have at this stage.

Joseph’s contract is also a concern for Leeds because the more it ticks down, the lower his value goes, and that is a problem.

Joseph contract could save him at Leeds United

The Spaniard is worth very little right now, and that would be a massive blow based on how high his potential once was.

There was likely a feeling at Elland Road just a few years ago that Joseph was someone who could be sold for a sizable fee in the future.

If he were to depart this summer, that certainly wouldn’t be the case, so getting some use out of him could be wise, especially with his contract set to run until 2028.

That gives Leeds at least a year to try and increase his value before his deal has just a year remaining and he’s able to go on a cut-price deal or eventually for free.

If he comes in and does well, his value increases, and Farke has a decision to make; it feels as if Joseph has been wasted in LS11.