Mateo Joseph ruled himself out v Man United as fresh £10m exit news emerges
Leeds played out a goalless draw with Manchester United in their opening pre-season game, and Mateo Joseph was a notable absentee.
Patrick Bamford was also left out, and with no new striker signed yet, there was a lack of options upfront.
Leeds are aiming to strengthen their attack, and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz has been linked, but a deal could be expensive.
Joseph has been linked with an exit, despite being highly rated as an option for the future, and a new development over his future has now emerged.
Joseph linked with Celta Vigo after absence v Man United
Farke is a fan of Joseph, and he claimed after the friendly in Stockholm that the 21-year-old’s absence was due to his participation in the Under-21 Euros.
Joseph seemingly ruled himself out of action, as per The Athletic (July 19), as he did not feel ready to return following the tournament and his exploits with Spain, but this could be linked to a transfer.
Despite Leeds seemingly wanting to keep the striker in the long term, with a loan offer from Real Betis rejected, Joseph could depart this summer.
| Leeds | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Joseph | 11 | 3 | 3 |
As reported by The Sun (20 July, page 57), Leeds want £10 million for Joseph, which Betis cannot afford.
Joseph is keen on a move to La Liga, but Celta Vigo are now the front-runners, as they have money to spend after selling Fer Lopez to Wolves.
Joseph could move to Celta Vigo
Joseph fell down the pecking order and hardly started in the second half of last season, and it will be tough to regain his place in the Premier League.
If Muniz comes in, then Joseph will hardly see much gametime from the start, and he will need to play regularly next season.
The Spaniard is a high-potential talent, and Leeds would ideally keep and possibly loan him out, but given his desire to move to Spain and the potential to raise funds to sign Muniz, a sale is now on the cards.
Celta have money to spend and are in the market for an attacker, and if they offer £10m for Joseph, it is unlikely that Leeds will turn that down.
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