Leeds United transfer news as Mateo Joseph wanted by half of Europe already
Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph is wanted by half of Europe with interest from the Championship, Serie A and the Bundesliga this summer, according to Marca.
The Spanish outlet reported on its website on Wednesday (2 August) that clubs across the continent have approached Leeds for the 19-year-old’s services, with a potential loan move on the cards.
Joseph impressed in the Premier League 2 for Leeds last season, scoring 15 goals as he also made his Premier League debut, playing three times in the English top-flight, with relegation said to open a mystery over his future.
Swansea City, Sampdoria and Wolfsburg are all interested in securing the forward’s services temporarily, while other unnamed clubs across Europe admire the player, but the Whites are reluctant to sanction a loan exit until his position in Daniel Farke’s squad this season is clear.
The Whites have already lost several players this transfer window following relegation from the Premier League and don’t want to leave themselves short of options to lead the line should more depart Elland Road this summer.
Good for development
There are few better ways for a striker to develop and hone their craft than playing matches and scoring goals and while that may appear to be an obvious statement, it has to be remembered when Leeds decide on Joseph’s future.
The 19-year-old has already shown that he can cut it at youth level, his eye for goal in the Premier League 2 last season shows that alone so the natural next step is an introduction to senior football, whether that can be offered in Yorkshire this year remains to be seen.
Joseph has already had his first taste in the Premier League last season and if minutes can’t be guaranteed at Elland Road this season, a temporary switch across the continent may be the best course of action for his development.
A move to Swansea City would give him an excellent understanding of the English game and the Championship, while a move to Germany or Serie A has been proven to have helped the development of players such as Jadon Sancho or Tammy Abraham.
But for Leeds to allow him to depart Elland Road, they probably need to bring at least one more striker through the door. Bamford’s injury woes in recent years mean that he can’t be relied upon and without him, the options up front seem a bit limited.
In other Leeds United news, Ralf Rangnick has reacted to Max Wober’s loan switch away from Elland Road