Mateo Joseph could be handed a role in Leeds United’s first team this season under new manager Daniel Farke.
That is according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, who reports Joseph is set for a supporting role to the senior side in what would be a breakthrough season.
Smyth also added that Joseph’s chances of a first team spot could be enhanced if Sonny Perkins is sent out on loan, which is something that has been discussed this summer.
Perkins has been linked with the likes of Sunderland, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers, and the fact he was one of just two unused substitutes against Manchester United on Wednesday could be a hint he will leave on loan.
Joseph, meanwhile, was one of 10 changes made by Farke at half time, replacing Luis Sinisterra on the left, in what is not usually his natural position.
Joseph set for first team role at Leeds this season
Alongside Lewis Bate, Joseph was one of very few positives for Leeds in the second 45 minutes in the friendly in Oslo.
The 19-year-old was extremely lively, displaying an electric turn of pace and was comfortably Leeds’ biggest threat in the final third despite Dan James, Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt all playing alongside him.
Either a periphery first team role or loan move for regular game time is the next logical step in Joseph’s development, having ripped it up for the U21s last season.
Joseph was the joint top scorer in Premier League 2 Division 2 with 16 goals in 26 appearances, with only Reyes Cleary of West Brom able to match that tally.
He was also handed six appearances across all competitions, but didn’t play anywhere near enough minutes to show what he can do.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
