Leeds United only signed Mateo Joseph during the most recent January transfer window, but The Sun on Sunday (27/11; page 64) reports that the Whites already want to hand the striker a new contract.
Joseph has been in superb form this season. The 19-year-old has scored 11 goals in just eight appearances for the under-21s in Premier League 2.
And his form has been rewarded by Jesse Marsch. The Spanish born teenager made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup tie with Wolves. And he followed that by coming on against Tottenham in our final Premier League game before the World Cup break.
Mateo Joseph in line for new Leeds contract
Joseph initially signed until the summer of 2025 when he came in. But it would appear that Leeds are already looking to tie him down for longer.
According to The Sun on Sunday (27/11; page 64), the Whites hope to add an additional year to his terms. Meanwhile, his wages will apparently soar, to nearly £20,000-a-week including bonuses.
It is a promising sign that Leeds want to be proactive with Joseph’s future. He has proved that he has a lot of potential and a very high ceiling.
Reports have previously suggested that England are looking at handing him a call-up to their under-20 squad in the future. And with that, other clubs may well be sniffing around.
It will be interesting to see how Marsch uses Joseph going forward. Leeds’ under-21s are playing at a lower level this season. So the jump to the first-team is much greater.
He has proved that he is good enough for the youngsters. But it is going to be a risk to use him a lot while our Premier League status does seem somewhat precarious once again.
And of course, we hope that a new striker arrives in January to boost our survival hopes.
Joseph will need to be patient. But it does seem that Leeds see him as a key part of their future.