Leeds United issue damning Marc Roca statement as Elland Road exit sealed
Marc Roca has completed his transfer from Leeds United to Real Betis, and the club’s 36-word statement reflected attitudes towards the midfielder.
The statement, posted on Leeds’ website after Roca sealed his move on 28 June, included no kind of well-wishing or ‘best of luck’ messages, and was instead rather abrupt.
Roca was one of the first players who pushed for an exit on loan following the Whites’ relegation from the Premier League, and having produced improved performances for Betis, will now be staying put there.
While United’s statement said that the fee for Roca was undisclosed, a £3.8million sum has been reported and it remains to be seen if that will allow the club to avoid a loss in profit and sustainability terms [Fabrizio Romano, 28 June].
Leeds’ full statement read: “Leeds United can confirm Marc Roca has joined Spanish La Liga outfit Real Betis, for an undisclosed fee.
“Roca spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Estadio Benito Villamarin and has now agreed a permanent move.”
Leeds United happy to see the back of Marc Roca
It always seemed likely that Roca would be one of the first names out of the door at Elland Road this summer, having made no secret of his desire to stay in Spain rather than return to West Yorkshire [El Des Marque, 4 June].
Roca even purchased a house in Seville weeks prior to a move being agreed between the two clubs, showing that his heart was set on Betis, either on loan or via the permanent deal which has been agreed [Diario Del Sevilla, 22 June].
While other loanees who spent last season elsewhere, like Brenden Aaronson, are in line to return [Graham Smyth, 10 June], selling Roca for a nominal fee that keeps the Whites’ heads above water in PSR terms seems a sensible option.
The Spaniard was only two years into a four-year deal after signing from Bayern Munich in 2022, and with his sale Leeds have collected roughly a fourth of the £10million fee they initially paid.
Victor Orta’s buy low, sell high policy was thrown out of the window with relegation, but Roca’s sale could provide more financial leeway, allowing the Whites to new players who will actually want to be front and centre of Daniel Farke’s plans going forward.
In other Leeds United news, the Supporters’ Trust have contacted the FSA after details emerged over the club’s pre-season tour.
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