Leeds United sensation Mateo Joseph sends message as Derby County complete signing
Mateo Joseph reacted via social media after Morten Spencer signed for Derby County following his Leeds United exit.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder signed a contract extension in February 2023 but was released from Thorp Arch at the end of the 2023/24 campaign after five years at the club.
Spencer featured heavily for the Under-21s over the past couple of seasons but was never able to make the step up to the first team, making 24 appearances for Scott Gardner’s youth side.
Reacting to the news via Instagram on Friday (26 July), Joseph wrote: “All the best, bro!”
Leeds United youngster pens new deal after Thorp Arch exit
Thorp Arch has developed many youngsters over the last few seasons, and even profited from some of their prospects with Archie Gray’s £30million move to Tottenham a prime example [BBC Sport].
While Leeds fans will not want to see another talent move away from Elland Road, with the midfielder now 20 years of age and not reaching the first team yet, his future clearly lies elsewhere.
Only a handful of youngsters have made the jump up to senior football, especially since Daniel Farke’s arrival, but the manager has proven that age is not an issue with his players.
Although Joseph has only managed 32 appearances since arriving from Espanyol, the 20-year-old striker is expected to have a much more important role next season.
The same cannot be said for Joe Geldhardt, who has found it difficult to find a place in Farke’s squad, with centre-back Charlie Cresswell also finding a permanent move away from Elland Road due to limited game time.
Many of the youngsters at Thorp Arch will be hoping to make their breakthrough over the next couple of seasons, but Leeds clearly thought Spencer was not ready for his opportunity despite five years at the club.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are in the hunt to sign Norwich City star Gabriel Sara as transfer news emerges from Italy.
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