Joe Roberts

Thu 6 July 2023 12:40, UK

Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca is training with the club in pre-season as he waits for the green light to complete a move to La Liga side Real Betis, according to ABC Sevilla.

The print edition of the outlet (6 July, page 61) suggested that Roca is one of three new signings for the Spanish club to boost their chances of remaining competitive next season alongside Hector Bellerin and Ayoze Perez, but Roca’s move is the only one awaiting confirmation.

With the deal said to be nearly complete [El Desmarque], Roca will be among the Leeds players to depart the club following their relegation to the Championship.

Inevitable

Leeds were unlikely to keep all their talent at the club following their relegation. Plenty of players are set for moves. Brenden Aaronson is being tipped to join up with the Champions League-qualifying Union Berlin [The Telegraph], while Diego Llorente could once more link up with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma [Di Marzio].

Roca’s transfer thus felt inevitable. While very few Leeds players impressed last season, Roca put in some decent performances at Elland Road and was a regular starter throughout the campaign.

His move away was unavoidable, and the switch to an exciting side like Real Betis where Roca will compete in the Europa League is a quality move for the Spaniard.

New Leeds manager Daniel Farke will want all the outgoings to leave the club as soon as possible so he can fully assess his squad in preparation for next season.

Leeds will be looking quite light in the central-defensive midfielder position. With Tyler Adams looking likely for a move away also [Daily Mail], Farke will probably be looking to recruit in this area.

Roca’s time at Leeds was short, with just one season under his belt, but not very sweet having ended in relegation. But Leeds fans may be disappointed to see him leave on a potential loan and claim no immediate fee for the 26-year-old.

In other Leeds United news, Robin Koch has agreed to the terms of his Elland Road exit.