49ers Enterprises could miss out on £10m+ Leeds United jackpot as Marc Roca news emerges
Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises face the threat of losing out on a £10million-plus jackpot at Elland Road after an update emerged on Marc Roca’s loan agreement at Real Betis.
Spanish La Liga analyst Andrew Millar told Leeds Live on Wednesday 18 October that Betis may not be able to afford their option to buy the Spaniard at the end of the season.
The club’s strict financial situation at the Spanish club could see them struggle to meet the £10.4million option to buy for which they agreed with the Whites upon Roca’s temporary exit.
This news comes after news outlet TEAMTalk reported on 2 October that talks for a permanent Leeds exit could be underway earlier than expected with the 26-year-old enjoying life back in his native Spain after taking advantage of his relegation release clause to facilitate his desperately planned move [Betis TV via Marca, 9 September].
Roca has impressed in Manuel Pellegrini’s side so far this season, starting 10 of their 11 matches with the former Manchester City boss recently heaping praise on his performance back in his native country and even admitting that Betis would be happy to make the deal permanent.
Spanish news outlet Estadio Deportivo reported on 14 September that Roca can remain at the Seville-based club for another season on loan if Daniel Farke doesn’t get the Whites promoted this year.
It is believed that the Spaniard is “so attached” to his new surroundings it is like he has already been with Manuel Pellegrini’s side for longer than just a few months, while the 26-year-old himself said: “Right now I have a contract with Leeds (until 2026). It is the two teams who have to agree, but right now I am comfortable and very happy”.
Roca was part of the whopping exodus from Elland Road this summer which showed he had little interest in playing for a team in the Championship this season but Farke was belatedly able to restock his midfield in the transfer market with Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev joining Ethan Ampadu in the engine room, while Archie Gray has graduated from the academy.
That leaves little space for Roca anyway so if Leeds United can recoup the £10million they sent to Bavaria for him last summer [Sky Sports] they will surely take it, and he will happily go.
However, Millar’s new update from Betis could leave the 49ers incredibly worried given the amount of players out on loan right now who could well provide them with some financial muscle should their loans become permanent in the summer.
When the season ends, Roca will more than likely still want to leave Leeds permanently, and there may be a deal that can be struck between the West Yorkshire outfit and Betis, but the Whites are unlikely to go much lower than their original £10.4 million price which could hamper a potential healthy windfall.
Arguably, should the Spaniard continue to impress in La Liga, a division which offers great exposure for players of Roca’s ability in midfield, Leeds United may not be short of other offers for his signature.
However, it would be a major disappointment if Betis weren’t able to match the agreement so the club can sell him quickly next summer.
In other Leeds United news, one Thorp Arch academy graduate may have to leave in January with his career now in serious jeopardy.