Junior Firpo has taken to social media to pen a heartfelt message after a Leeds United man confirmed his future.
With the 2025-26 season wrapped up and the Whites securing their place in the Premier League for another season, all eyes are now on the upcoming summer transfer window.
While there is a need for Daniel Farke’s contract situation to be addressed, there are also expected to be several incomings and outgoings at Elland Road this summer.
What do Leeds need the most this summer? 💵
Shiny new transfer kitty incoming!
Firpo sends message as Mateo Joseph confirms exit
Among those heading towards the exit door at Elland Road is Mateo Joseph, who spent the season on loan at Mallorca, bagging two goals and four assists in 29 La Liga appearances.
The centre-forward is contracted to Leeds United until 2028, but does not appear to have a future in West Yorkshire after falling out with Farke last summer.
Joseph failed to deliver consistently for Mallorca, but shone in certain games, including the 2-1 win against Real Madrid in April.
He provided the assist for Vedat Muriqi’s last-gasp winner that evening, but has since been sidelined with a ligament injury, meaning he ended his spell at Mallorca in disappointment.
With the 22-year-old now heading back to Leeds, he penned an emotional message on social media, announcing his departure from the Spanish club, who have been relegated from La Liga on goal difference.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “It’s been difficult to find the words for these last few days. I arrived here on loan, but the truth is that from the very first moment, they never made me feel like I was just passing through.
“I felt like I was part of the club, the dressing room, and the city. And that, in such an important year for me, is worth so much.
“It hurts that I couldn’t finish the season on the pitch. The injury came at a difficult time, and I would have loved to have been able to help more, to have been there until the end, and to give back a little of everything I’ve received this year. Even so, I’ve experienced every match, every moment, and every setback like everyone else.
“I know perfectly well how hard this team has worked and how much this dressing room has suffered. Sometimes football doesn’t give you what you deserve, but I have no doubt that this club will return to where it belongs.
“Thank you to everyone who is part of Mallorca: my teammates, the staff, the doctors, and all the people who work every day within the club. Also, thank you to Pablo Ortells and Jagoba Arrasate for trusting me to be part of this project from the very beginning. And to [Martin] Demichelis, for this last stretch of the season we shared.
“And above all, thank you to the fans. If a player who comes on loan ends up feeling this badge as his own, it’s because of you. I wish you all the best, from the bottom of my heart. I’m convinced this isn’t the end, but the beginning of something that will make you come back even stronger.”
Firpo was among those who were quick to respond, writing “Always with you” under the post.
Apart from the Real Betis left-back, Leeds players Wilfried Gnonto and Illan Meslier reacted to Joseph’s post by ‘liking’ it.
SPOTTED: Illan Meslier says goodbye to Leeds United 👋
Leeds United must offload Joseph
Joseph has shown glimpses of his potential since making his first-team debut for Leeds United under Jesse Marsch in November 2022.
The Spain Under-21s international also had a string of impressive performances under Farke in the Championship last season, but fizzled out in the second half of the season.
At 22, Joseph does not appear to have what it takes to impress in the Premier League, and that is why Leeds must offload him this summer.
It is, anyway, hard to see the striker featuring in Farke’s plans after their fall-out last year.
Leeds, though, are unlikely to receive a significant transfer fee from Joseph’s sale.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
