Leeds United: Real Betis have second thoughts about permanent Marc Roca transfer
Real Betis are having second thoughts about signing Leeds United loanee Marc Roca permanently this summer, according to Diario de Sevilla.
Writing on their website (29 March), the Spanish news outlet report that the player has fallen down the pecking order at the La Liga club and there are now doubts among fans and the club about whether spending £10m to turn his loan permanent makes sense.
Betis do still like Roca as a player, with the Spaniard having played the third most minutes of anyone in the squad this season, but are hopeful another loan agreement can be found instead.
Should Leeds fail to earn promotion back to the Premier League, the clause that allowed Roca to leave on loan last summer would once again become active.
Leeds United must find a buyer for Marco Roca
Roca joined from Bayern Munich two summers ago and was one of the better performers of the transfers that came in that year, despite the club being relegated.
But his lack of athleticism was really on show in England and his style is much more suited to a league like Spain where the emphasis is on technique and the game is a bit slower.
Betis have benefited from that this season and know his qualities, but spending £10m+ as a mid-table club is never easy and it’s not a surprise they’re considering their options after he lost his place in the team.
If Betis opt against making his move permanent, then it’s on Leeds to find another buyer because there is quite clearly no space for him in the current squad at Elland Road.
All the midfield options in Daniel Farke’s side are better fits for English football in the top flight and getting Roca off the books will only be a positive thing.
In other Leeds news, this regular trio could be axed ahead of the big clash with Watford in our predicted lineup.
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