Radical change emerges in Spain as Mateo Joseph set for Leeds United exit
Mateo Joseph looks set to leave Leeds United this summer.
Joseph struggled for regular gametime last season in the Championship, featuring for a total of 1,289 minutes in 39 matches in the promotion-winning campaign.
Despite the opportunity to play in the Premier League next season, he is expected to depart Elland Road in the near future.
The forward has made his desire to return to Spain very clear and has not featured for the Whites in pre-season as a result.
Girona enter the race for Leeds star Joseph
Real Betis have already signed Junior Firpo after he left Leeds, and they were the frontrunners to add Joseph to their squad.
Spanish outlet SPORT (28 July) claims that the situation has “changed radically” after it appeared that he would sign for the La Liga side.
It states that the Seville-based outfit cannot afford the £12million asking price that Farke’s side are demanding and have had a loan-to-buy offer rejected.
A report from Catalan outlet L’Esportiu (28 July) quoted by SPORT claims that Girona are set to take advantage of the fact that Betis’ interest is stalling and submit a bid of their own.
It states that the City Football Group-owned outfit would not be seeking a permanent deal, but a loan to buy, like Betis or potentially a straight loan.
Leeds need to replace Joseph
It looks as if Joseph is destined to leave LS11, but he will need to be replaced if he does.
Patrick Bamford has been informed that he is not in Farke’s plans for the new campaign, so the only senior forwards at the club are Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha.
The 49ers Enterprises group have done a great job of backing their manager so far in the transfer window, but they need to secure at least one attacking addition before the deadline.
In an ideal world, it would come before the new season begins, when the Peacocks face Everton on 18 August, in 21 days, but whether that is possible remains to be seen.
If not, it needs to be done before the window closes at the very least.
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