Real Betis submit late bid for Leeds striker Mateo Joseph
Leeds United have received a bid from Real Betis for Mateo Joseph on Deadline Day, according to Alvaro Borrego.
The El Desmarque journalist posted on his X account (3 February) to follow up his report from moments before that Betis have identified Joseph as a backup option for prime forward target Cucho Hernandez from Columbus Crew.
Borrego’s social media information reveals Joseph – whose goals had dried up in recent months – has now appeared to be the subject of a bid, with the La Liga outfit exploring all their attacking possibilities before the deadline slams shut on Monday night.
Joseph scored his first goal of 2025 on Saturday (1 February) in his side’s 7-0 demolition of Cardiff City.
“Cucho Hernández is the number one option to reinforce the forward line,” Borrego posted.
“If it does not materialise, Real Betis [have] a bullet in the chamber for Mateo Joseph, Leeds striker and under-21 international for Spain.
“[Betis] also submitted an offer. He is the other option.”
Leeds United to lose Mateo Joseph on Deadline Day?
As matters stand, Joseph is still looking unlikely to leave Elland Road before the transfer window closes as Betis focus on Hernandez.
The 25-year-old Colombia striker, formerly of Watford, has scored 44 goals in 70 MLS appearances to date and Betis are intent on recruiting him before the Spanish cut-off.
With just hours remaining for clubs across most of Europe to complete deals, Joseph has apparently been the subject of a simultaneous offer as something of a safety net to increase Betis’ chances of securing a striker.
Joseph ended his goal drought on Saturday, before which he had failed to score in a white shirt since October – however, he has still contributed with some positive performances for both Leeds and Spain’s Under-21s.
The forward holds dual citizenship across England and Spain and could be tempted by a switch to La Liga, but could also become a Premier League player within the coming months.
In other Leeds news, staff at Elland Road are reportedly becoming “desperate” on Deadline Day for incomings.
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