Spain media reacts to Mateo Joseph display as Leeds ‘negotiations’ update emerges
Mateo Joseph certainly caught the eye as Spain under-21s secured a win on Wednesday.
In the opening match of the U21 European Championships, the senior title holders travelled to Slovakia on 11 June and secured a 3-2 win.
Although there was little riding on this friendly, the Elland Road faithful will have had an eye on the clash to watch their young striker in action.
The 21-year-old was once again on target and left the media in his homeland impressed, as links away from Yorkshire continue to build.
Joseph shines away from Leeds United once again
It has been a hugely difficult campaign for the young forward after he started the Championship campaign as the main number nine.
Eventually, the former Espanyol youngster was replaced in the starting 11 by Joel Piroe, who went on to win the second-tier golden boot.
| Stat | Mateo Joseph | Joel Piroe |
| Appearances | 41 | 481 |
| Goals | 3 | 19 |
| Assists | 3 | 7 |
Even with this setback for the striker, he has managed to keep up his excellent run of form on the international stage.
This saw Joseph net for Spain U21s, much to the delight of the national media after the 3-2 win against Slovakia.
It was his 18th minute strike which resulted in a positive review from Spanish outlet Marca (11 June), who described the Leeds man as “a true penalty area predator”.
Positive reviews continued to rain in for the Whites attacker, but this just sparked more questions about his future at Elland Road.
As a result, Estadio Deportivo reminded fans that Real Betis have noted Joseph as their “big target” in the upcoming summer window.
This was echoed by Mundo Betis, who revealed that negotiations have been held with the goalscoring Spaniard after talks initially stalled due to the Whites’ high demands.
Real Betis maintain Joseph interest at Leeds United
There is no doubt about the talent that the Spaniard possesses, he just needs to showcase it on a regular basis for the LS11 club.
Once again, Joseph was able to prove his class on the international stage, which is why interest in his signature continues to grow at Real Betis.
It will certainly be interesting to see whether Daniel Farke will allow him to depart this summer, or whether other options will be brought in.
Callum Wilson has already been linked with Leeds, with his signing potentially set to allow a deal for Joseph to depart if a fee can be agreed upon.