Mateo Joseph, Leeds United striker. Credit: Imago

Mateo Joseph shares Leeds United exit stance in new LaLiga admission

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

08 Sep 2024, 1:40 am

Mateo Joseph has done little to lessen speculation over his Leeds United future after being quizzed over a return to LaLiga.

The 20-year-old forward arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2022, joining from Espanyol B, and has since become a fan favourite and a starter under Daniel Farke at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign.

Having scored in Spain Under-21s' 2-1 victory over Scotland on Friday 6 September, Joseph has already been questioned over if he could return to his Spain in the future.

Quizzed over a return to LaLiga by Onda Cero [7 September], translated by Sport Witness, Joseph said: "Spain is where I grew up and who knows if I’ll be able to return in the future.”

Mateo Joseph to quit Leeds United already?

Frustration was building at Elland Road last season as Farke continued to leave the young Spaniard out of the starting XI, making zero Championship starts.

However, with Patrick Bamford struggling with fitness, Dan James the same, and the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, Joseph has cemented his spot in the starting XI.

He has grasped the opportunity with both hands, opening the scoring in a 2-0 win over Hull City and providing both assists in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday the week before.

Although Joel Piroe arrived at Elland Road on a £10million deal last summer [BBC Sport], the Dutchman is struggling to break into the team on a regular basis, with Joseph clearly trusted by the manager now.

Leeds United's exciting young forward talent, Mateo Joseph

He is likely to have a hugely important role in Leeds' season as the Whites aim to secure promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

It would be an incredible shame if the 20-year-old was already contemplating a return to LaLiga, but at the same time, it would be an amazing opportunity to go and prove himself elsewhere.

In other Leeds United news, a Leeds gem wants a release clause inserted into a new contract as details are shared.

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