‘Mateo Joseph wants to quit Leeds’ in big £15.2m transfer reveal
Mateo Joseph endured a difficult individual campaign amid Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke’s side raced to the Championship title, but Joseph was one of several players who struggled badly for gametime.
The Spanish youth international hasn’t really developed as expected over the last few seasons, and has failed to add the end product to his game that he has desperately needed in order to take the next step.
Paraag Marathe and the 49ers know that the squad will require plenty of investment this summer if the Whites are to compete for survival, and Joseph is expected to be one of the casualties as they attempt to raise funds for new additions.
Leeds want £15.2m for Joseph amid Real Betis interest
Joseph has enjoyed a bright start to his career with the Spanish national setup, and that continued on Wednesday (11 June), when he scored in their U21 European Championship opener against Slovakia.
Spain won that game, and Joseph’s recent performances have clearly drawn plenty of attention in Spanish football.
UEFA Conference League runners-up Real Betis have reportedly earmarked the 21-year-old as their primary attacking target this summer, according to EIDesmarque (11 June).
The Spanish giants are understood to want a young profile to complete their attack, and are keen to have a player who can make healthy contributions straight away, but also has the possibility of a big resale value in the future.
Betis are thought to have tabled an offer weeks ago, but Leeds have held out until the start of the U21 Euros to see how Joseph’s value may change.
That decision has seemingly paid off for the West Yorkshire outfit, who now want £15.2m for the youngster, as they attempt to maximise everything they can from a potential deal.
Joseph is desperate to move to Betis and Leeds shouldn’t stand in his way
Manuel Pellegrini has already made it clear to Joseph that he will be a hugely important figure in his plans for next season, as he prepares his side for the Europa League.
That has seemingly had a big effect on the forward, who is believed to have “no doubts” about his desire to move to the Sevilla-based outfit.
Given the additions that will be needed at Elland Road this summer, it makes little sense for Leeds to stand in his way.
Joel Piroe had an excellent season once again this term, but there are doubts surrounding his ability to make the step-up to the Premier League, given that he has never tasted the English top flight before.
As a result, bolstering the attack will be one of Farke and Co.’s top priorities this summer as they attemp to build a side capable of surviving the drop.
With Joseph limited to primarily substitute appearances this time around, he would surely be used even more sparingly next term.