Mateo Joseph ‘going to be worth more’ as Leeds United make transfer decision
Carlton Palmer says Leeds United were right not to accept a bid from Real Betis for Mateo Joseph.
The Whites had a quiet winter transfer window as Daniel Farke’s side sit at the top of the Championship, two points clear.
However, in the final hours, it looked as though the Whites could lose a player as El Desmarque reported [3 February] that Real Betis made a bid to sign Joseph.
Leeds rejected the bid though and chose to keep their side as it is, which Palmer has called the right call as he told Football League World (4 February): “Leeds United rejected a late £10million bid for Mateo Joseph. It’s the right call.
“They weren’t hoping to do a lot of business in this transfer window; that was very, very clear.
“They could have brought in a striker. They could have done if they brought in a player that could add some quality to the squad and fit Daniel Farke’s remit for what he wants for the team and how he has players gelling with the team and everything.
“The right call. No need to do any more business. They have done their business in terms of getting players out when they had to, with the likes of Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville leaving the football club.
“They do not have to sell. The right call now as their aim is to get down for the next 16 games and get the 30 points that they require now to give them automatic promotion.
“A good bit of business to keep him. I think the player will be happy to stay as well, because they are top of the league and flying at the moment.
“A really big call by the club and good for the player when you reject a bid of £10million. He is only going to be worth more and he and they could be back playing in the Premier League next season.”
Leeds United made the right decision over Mateo Joseph future
As Palmer says, Leeds made the sensible decision over the future of Joseph by keeping him at Elland Road as they are under no pressure to sell and can’t afford to put themselves in a weaker position.
The West Yorkshire outfit are on he right track for promotion back to the top flight this term and keeping the majority of the squad together (Joe Gelhardt left on loan) feels pretty significant. Only time will tell if not adding could prove costly.
It hasn’t been the most groundbreaking campaign for the striker in terms of his return as he has registered three goals and three assists in 29 matches.
However, with Patrick Bamford both injured and out of favour, Gelhardt going out on loan and a deal for Cameron Archer not being reached, if Joel Piroe were to get injured, Leeds could suddenly find themselves light on attacking options.
Moreover, Joseph is still only 21 and has ample time to keep improving and developing. He has plenty of time remaining on his contract so the Whites are certainly in a position where they can make a more considered decision once they know their fate after the end of this season.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have made a “massive loss” on one player whose exit was confirmed in the last few days.
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