Leeds United transfer news: Marc Roca wants move amid ongoing exit negotiations between clubs
Marc Roca is in favour of a move back to La Liga to rediscover his best form amid negotiations between Leeds United and Real Betis, according to AS.
The midfielder only arrived at Elland Road from Bayern Munich a year ago and had an up and down season before the Whites were relegated from the Premier League.
The Spanish outlet claim the 26-year-old played a “leading role” and “shone” in the Whites midfield, but after previously playing at Espanyol in his home country he is “willing to return to the League to have the opportunity to recover his best level”.
Betis are aiming for a loan move for Roca as they “accelerate” their planning or the next season, but Barcelona’s Nico Gonzalez is also an option after a season on loan at Valencia.
Misconception
Roca blew hot and cold for Leeds United this season, so the “leading” review is a bit over the top, but it isn’t hard to imagine that he might benefit from a return to La Liga.
There were fears when he was signed over his suitability to the pace of the English top flight but he arguably spent more time making tackles than he did building attacks.
He often appeared to be chasing the opposition so perhaps the speed was an issue, although given most of his midfield teammates experienced the same issues it may have been more of a tactical issue than an individual one.
Roca’s ability on the ball was rarely on display though, and it would be a surprise if the situation improved in the Championship which is probably played at an even higher pace than the Premier League.
So an exit at this point makes sense for all parties, but from a Whites perspective it has to be done in a way that makes sense financially.
A loan departure doesn’t sound like it does a huge amount for Leeds so if there are other offers on the table for a permanent move that may be preferable.
In other Leeds United news, an £80million transfer budget has emerged amid interest in a key Elland Road player.