Mateo Joseph is making a huge mistake at Leeds United, he should have learnt from Willy Gnonto

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Leeds United have a difficult situation to deal with amid bringing in transfers, as Mateo Joseph has made it clear he doesn’t want to stay at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke and Mateo Joseph seemed to have locked horns in recent days as the striker is proving to be unhelpful. The Leeds striker did not travel to the Whites’ training camp as Joseph seeks a move, and it has not left Farke too happy.

Farke told Joseph to be ‘professional’ and do the job he has laid out for him, but it seems like the 21-year-old’s stubbornness has taken over.

In light of Joseph’s decision, Leeds may have taken a swipe at him on social media, whilst Graham Smyth has shared what is “very likely” to happen to Joseph.

Amongst all this, it does echo what happened a few seasons ago with Wilfried Gnonto, something Joseph should have learnt from.

Wilfried Gnonto’s attempted move should be a cautionary tale for Mateo Joseph

Wilfried Gnonto’s attempted forced move from Leeds United in the summer of 2023 serves as a stark warning for Mateo Joseph’s current situation. After relegation, Gnonto tried to engineer a transfer away, reportedly making himself unavailable for selection.

This move was met with significant fan backlash; supporters, passionate about commitment to the badge, were visibly unhappy, reflecting a deep-seated intolerance for perceived disloyalty.

Then-captain Liam Cooper, was famously unambiguous in the dressing room, reportedly telling players unwilling to fight for the club to “f*** off.” This sentiment resonated widely. While Gnonto eventually returned to the fold, apologised, and has since thrived, his immediate actions caused friction.

Wilfried Gnonto changing agents after his attempted exit suggests his prior advice wasn’t ideal. With Mateo Joseph reportedly seeking a move via his own representation, it raises concerns: is his agent truly prioritising Joseph’s career, or risking alienating a fiercely loyal fanbase?

Unpacking the reasons behind Mateo Joseph’s Leeds exit bid

Mateo Joseph’s current desire to leave Leeds United could stem from numerous factors, primarily centred around playing time and a perceived lack of clarity regarding his role.

Despite featuring 39 times in the Championship last season, albeit often from the bench, the young striker could be seeking a more consistent starting role for his development.

With Leeds back in the Premier League and new attacking signings, Joseph would likely drop further down the pecking order behind players like Lukas Nmecha and the established Joel Piroe.

His preference for a move to Spain, with interest from clubs like Real Betis, suggests a desire for guaranteed minutes in a familiar environment.

While Daniel Farke values him, Joseph’s apparent belief that his career progression requires a fresh challenge, and the urging of his representatives, appear to be the primary drivers behind his increasingly public exit bid.