Emotional Marc Roca ‘felt like crying’ at Real Betis as he insists Leeds United transfer is a ‘matter for the clubs’
Marc Roca has insisted that his future is a matter to be decided between Leeds United and Real Betis despite expressing his immense affection for his loan club.
The midfielder told Radio MARCA, as per the outlet’s website on 16 November, that he was so emotional during the derby draw with Sevilla at the weekend (12 November) that he “felt like crying”, and hinted heavily that his objective is to remain with the Spanish side.
One of the first to be linked with a departure from Elland Road in the summer he returned to La Liga on a season-long loan on 17 June, and has so far made enough of a success of it to receive a call up to the national team, but claimed a future transfer is a “matter for the clubs”.
Roca said: “I feel the colours. The other day we had the derby. I felt a lot of emotion. I had goosebumps. I felt like crying with emotion.
“I said: oh man, these people… those things make you feel more colors. I am very comfortable here. God will tell.
“In the end I have a contract with Leeds. This is a matter for the clubs.”
Facilitation
It sounds quite clear that Roca wants to be at Betis past this summer, and for all intents and purposes it seems like the best place for him all round.
Daniel Farke has a new set of central midfielders back in England who are thriving, and doesn’t have a relationship with the former Bayern Munich man since his loan departure was announced before the manager came in.
Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Archie Gray have all excelled so far this season, with only Ilia Gruev to come into his own so far.
While they are all playing in the Championship while Roca struggled to impose himself in the Premier League a year ago his game appears better suited to Spanish football either way in light of his international selection.
It seems like the only thing that could derail a permanent transfer being agreed is Betis’ ability to afford the required fee given their finances are not believed to be extensive.
But as one of the cheaper of the signings at Leeds United last season at £10million [Sky Sports] there is probably as good a chance that he is bought by the Seville club out of all the Whites’ loan departures – aside from Robin Koch whose contract will expire next summer – and it would be little surprise if moves were being made months in advance of the summer window to get the deal lined up.
In other Leeds United news, Chelsea and Liverpool have long been on the trail of a “generational” talent at the club as a deal is put in place for his departure according to Phil Hay.