Leeds United transfer update: Obstacles emerge in Marc Roca exit race amid ‘high competition’ update
Obstacles are emerging in Marc Roca’s proposed exit from Leeds United to Real Betis amid increasing competition for his signature, AS reports.
The Spanish midfielder is slated for an Elland Road departure after a single season following relegation to the Championship.
He is thought to want a return to La Liga in order to recapture his best form after a difficult period in the Premier League off the back of two seasons with relatively little first team football at Bayern Munich.
Betis have been working on a loan deal, but a combination of his high wages, Betis wanting to put a permanent purchase option in that they can afford, and “high competition” to sign him they have hit multiple roadblocks, according to AS on Friday (16 June).
Fichajes.net reported on 12 June that Europa League winners Sevilla are also in for him, but it sounds like more clubs may be joining the race for last summer’s £10million arrival.
Snag
Roca is one of a few players who didn’t do enough at Elland Road to either ensure the club stayed in the top flight, or warrant the Whites pushing to keep them.
But, even though the new 49ers regime is expected to provide a financial boost that wouldn’t have been present under Andrea Radrizzani this summer, Leeds United need to be making a reasonable return on their outgoing players.
Amid reported exit clauses that amount to massive mark downs there will some concern that multiple players might go for next to nothing.
So if there is a battle for Roca’s signature then the Whites will surely go for the most lucrative option, rather than wait for Betis to get their finances in order.
His fee a year ago wasn’t huge so it could be possible to make back at least the majority of that money, depending on where he goes.
The 26-year-old won’t be hugely missed by most supporters provided the club manage to get something in return, but does look set to be part of a complete gutting of the senior central midfield options when he goes.
In other Leeds United news, part of the new 49ers ownership group has shares his perspective on the new manager hunt.