Leeds United’s deadline day was overall uneventful. But as the clock ticked towards 11pm, Real Betis made a last-ditch attempt to sign Mateo Joseph.
Leeds United go the January transfer window without a first-team signing, only the mystery signing of Robbie Cook which Alan Nixon has since confirmed.
Cameron Archer was wanted for a late loan move from Southampton but he’s staying on the south coast. Elsewhere, names like Adam Armstrong were mentioned, though Daniel Farke’s side go the window without any additions.
On deadline day though, there became a lot of noise around Mateo Joseph. Real Betis had a £10million bid for Joseph rejected with the Whites keen to keep the Spanish striker, who’s scored three goals in 30 Championship appearances this season.
- READ MORE: Leeds United make hilarious Frank Lampard gag with social media post after win vs Coventry City
Mateo Joseph wasn’t pushing for Leeds United exit despite Real Betis bid
It was claimed that Joseph was keen on returning to Spain amid links to Betis. But speaking to Leeds United News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the 21-year-old wasn’t pushing to leave the club.
Bailey said: “I don’t believe he was pushing – clearly his people would have been aware. But Leeds have put a lot of work into Joseph and I don’t think it was ever a consideration to let him go, his ceiling is massively high.”
Joseph joined Leeds from Espanyol in 2022 and has since made 63 total appearances for the club, scoring six goal and claiming three assists. He’s on a long-term contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2028.
Daniel Farke’s reaction to the Mateo Joseph transfer rumours
The Joseph rumours certainly came out of the blue and for a while it looked like he was facing a really uncertain end to the January transfer window.
Farke then reacted to the Joseph transfer rumours, saying: “We have Mateo, let’s assume the rumours were right with offers for double figures. A sign of his quality. Important, top striker.”
Joseph has started just one league game for Leeds since October now, with Joel Piroe by far the most preferred choice in that sole striker position.
But Joseph has come off the bench in almost every game, often making an impact when he’s given enough time. At 21 years old he remains a very young player, and like Farke suggests, there’s plenty of potential with the Spanish U21s striker.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
