Marc Roca wants to quit Leeds United amid City Group cash injection at Girona
Marc Roca is intent on leaving Leeds United this summer with Real Betis interested in his services but Sheik-owned Girona have also entered the conversation, according to Estadio Deportivo.
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), with a clause in the midfielder’s contract stating he may leave Elland Road, but any suitor must pay his full salary [AS, 13 June].
However, according to AS [13 June], 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.
And such a stumbling block has handed Girona encouragement as they enter the fray for Roca’s signature, according to Estadio Deportivo [14 June].
The Spanish outlet reveal that the La Liga outfit will have a “greater salary margin” and an “increased budget” provided by Sheikh owners City Group which means they may have the funds to offer Roca his salary demands.
Hotting up
It certainly seems as if the interest in Roca’s services is hotting up right now with Girona also looking to fulfil his desire of a return to his native country.
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 under Sam Allardyce’s tutelage which may have proven the final straw.
Despite Roca’s struggles in his first campaign, he is simply too good to be playing Championship football which Leeds United have identified and are willing to allow him the opportunity to depart.
What is crucial though, is the Whites must ensure they identify a quality replacement with the likes of Adams and Brendan Aaronson also heading towards the Thorp Arch exit door.
Leeds United have to ensure they remain competitive next season as they face a gruelling and testing Championship campaign kicking off in August.
In other Leeds United news, a “shock” managerial candidate has appeared in the Elland Road running “out of the blue”.