Leeds United transfer news: Real Betis work to finish Marc Roca transfer, two conditions left
La Liga outfit Real Betis are working to finalize the loan transfer of Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca but need to open up a space in their wage budget, according to AS.
It’s believed the Whites have approved the 26-year-old’s departure and that Roca will spend the 2023/24 season on loan at Manuel Pellegrini’s side (Mundo Deportivo, 12 June).
And according to AS [13 June], a clause in Roca’s contract allows him to depart Elland Road at no cost with the interested club expected to pay his total wages.
However, according to the report, there are two conditions which need to be met in order for Roca to complete his move.
Betis will first need to make space in their wage budget to register Roca given his wages at both Elland Road and Bayern Munich previously.
The second condition is on Leeds United’s part who after completing their takeover, are without a transfer chief who can help negotiate with Betis and the player’s representatives to come to an agreement on the transfer.
Move can’t come sooner
Roca emerged as a very good outlet on the ball for Leeds United this season, giving them the foundation to build out from deep areas, but simply struggled with the testing physicality of the English top-flight, especially after the injury to Tyler Adams.
He will also have been disappointed to lose his place in the starting XI following the January arrival of fellow midfielder Weston McKennie.
The Spaniard will view this summer as a chance to kickstart his career, and that looks set to happen away from Elland Road, with his native Spain now potentially being seen as the perfect exit route for him.
A move to Real Betis seems the ideal step for him as Leeds United plan for life without him. Good riddance if they can get a reasonable sum for his services, but a loan move away looks the more likely with the two clubs looking to overcome these latest stumbling blocks.
The Leeds United faithful will be looking forward to seeing the back of Roca so they can swiftly work towards securing a suitable replacement.
In other Leeds United news, a “shock” managerial candidate has appeared in the Elland Road running “out of the blue”.