Real Betis to announce Marc Roca signing from Leeds United next after Ayoze Perez done deal
Real Betis now look set to announce the signing of Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca following the completion of their move for Leicester City forward Ayoze Perez, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Whites have approved the 26-year-old’s departure from Elland Road and will spend the 2023/24 season on loan at Manuel Pellegrini’s side (Mundo Deportivo, 12 June) – after only joining the club last summer from Bayern Munich.
Spanish outlet Eldiario Deportes reported on 22 June that a deal to take Roca back to his homeland is now very advanced with the former Espanyol midfielder pictured running drills as he gets set for pre-season, which may well begin at Betis in the coming days.
And according to Mundo Deportivo newspaper (7 July, page 18), Betis are now set to formally announce Roca’s signing on loan from Leeds United and former Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin.
Need replacements
Despite the obstacles in Roca’s departure to Betis this summer, his Elland Road exit was almost guaranteed given the position Leeds United found themselves in and his desire to play at the top level.
The Spaniard emerged as a promising and critical component in the Leeds United team following his summer move from Bayern Munich.
However, his steady influence waned as the season progressed and ultimately lost his place to Weston McKennie who offered more of a dynamic and destructive presence from midfield.
A return to the possession-based approach of La Liga fits Roca to an absolute tee, which makes Leeds United fans wonder whether his signing was a mistake.
For now though, the Elland Road faithful will be hoping the club have contingency plans lined up in the market because with the expected departures of Tyler Adams, Brendan Aaronson and of course Roca, Daniel Farke will be well short in the midfield department.
Replacements are needed desperately.
In other Leeds United news, the announcement of the 49ers Enterprises’ full takeover is expected to go through before the club can start making “major” moves in the market.