Mateo Joseph Fernandez rejected host of European giants to sign for Leeds United
New Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph Fernandez ignored interest from European heavyweights in favour of signing at Elland Road, Leeds Live reports.
A frustrating transfer window meant the 18-year-old was the only Whites signing, but the club appear to have got a highly sought after talent judging by the competition there was for his signature.
The Spanish striker’s move was confirmed at the start of the year but was in the pipeline for some time, with Victor Orta working to pip rivals to bring him in from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee ahead of his contract expiring.
And this took some work, with Leeds Live reporting: “Sticking a hat-trick past a Barcelona youth team will get you noticed and Mateo Joseph had his pick of Europe’s elite when he decided on Leeds United last year.”
Liverpool were reportedly joined by Spains big three in Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in being “keen” on the player.
But the teenager whose “very high demands” meant his previous club could not keep him decided to move to West Yorkshire.
Transfer success
The focus of the January transfer window was unfortunately on negotiations that were unsuccessful and moves that were not made.
Brenden Aaronson was mooted from Red Bull Salzburg for most of the month, but multiple bids for the American ultimately ended up being futile and Orta was left frustrated.
Potential late moves for Harry Winks and Donny van de Beek apparently became possible but The Athletic reports that both were turned down as not fitting into the squad.
Marcelo Bielsa has brought the club this far so perhaps he knows best, and it seems that the one move the club did make could prove to be a masterstroke slightly further down the line.
Although he looks to have gone into the United squad for Premier League 2, the first team could use some support in the central striking position, with Patrick Bamford’s injury problems this year a long-standing issue.
It might be too early for Joseph Fernandez but if he impresses quickly Leeds fans might see him before too long.
In other Leeds United news, the reason for the collapse of the exit for this Whites man has reportedly been explained.