Real Betis sporting director Ramon Planes has told Betis TV – as per Marca – that Leeds United man Marc Roca called “every day” in order to engineer a move to the La Liga side. He is impressing in Spain.
Roca, 26, is back in Spain after a difficult three years outside of his home country. Shining for Espanyol, he moved to Bayern in 2020. But he managed just 24 games in two seasons. Leeds moved last summer.
The left-footed midfielder showed glimpses, but was far from what was needed. Tyler Adams’ absence made Roca look worse. Now, he is at Betis – but, back in Spain, he has made a superb start on loan.
He has started all four La Liga matches – Betis winning seven points, despite facing Villarreal, Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and then Rayo. A tough run. Planes has commented on the signing of the Leeds player.
“He was desperate, he called every day. He left because of a good contract situation,” Planes told Marca. “He wanted to return and that’s how he told us. And I told him ‘calm down, we’re going to do it’’.
“Marc is a boy who’s going to give us a lot,” He added. “When the possibility with Manuel was seen, he immediately told us yes, that he knew him, the season is very long. He’s going to give us many things.”
Planes: Leeds man Roca called Betis every day to engineer move
Clearly, a return to his home country and into a side that sees Roca partner Guido Rodriguez and Spain icon Isco, is getting the best out of Roca. Bayern was too good for Roca. England did not suit him.
Look back at his time under Jesse Marsch. The American gaffer hauled him off after 60 minutes most matches – because he could not keep up the intensity required in the Premier League for 90 minutes.
In Spain, where the tempo is slower and more tactical, Roca is able to get on the ball and play to his strengths. So, while he is getting back to his best in Spain – Leeds should still avoid him in the future.
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