Mateo Joseph was one of a number of players not involved for Leeds United on Saturday afternoon as Daniel Farke’s side drew 0-0 with Manchester United at the Strawberry Arena in Sweden.
Brenden Aaronson has been given a delayed return date due to his participation with the United States, which saw Mauricio Pochettino’s men reach the final of The Gold Cup before losing in the final to Mexico.
Meanwhile, Patrick Bamford has been told to find a new club. The one-time England man’s seven-year spell at Elland Road is about to come to an end, and Bamford did not travel with the rest of the squad.
Willy Gnonto and Mateo Joseph have not been involved in pre-season training just yet after featuring for their countries at the U21 European Championships in Slovakia. However, Gnonto started on Saturday.
Farke’s comments on Joseph are damning with future in doubt
With Gnonto starting in a new-look Leeds side that included Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha and surprisingly Jack Harrison, Joseph was not even involved in the squad. In fact, Joseph had not travelled with Leeds.
Gnonto may have exited the U21 Championship before Joseph, but only a few days prior. Speaking after the draw, Farke said Gnonto showed a willingness to be available while Joseph said he was not ready.
“With Willy he came back in such good shape and is desperate to be involved and that’s why he’s with us. Mateo mentioned he doesn’t feel ready for games, that’s why he’s not involved in the trip,” Farke said.
For Gnonto to be available and Joseph to say he isn’t ready, is damning. Either Joseph’s attitude is not where it should be, or Joseph is pushing for a move doing everything he can to make it happen.
What Farke said about Joseph’s future amid Real Betis interest
The Leeds connection is growing at Betis. Already boasting Marc Roca and Diego Llorente, Betis have now confirmed the return of Junior Firpo after the left-back departed Elland Road on a free, after four seasons.
Joseph has been strongly linked with Betis. Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds and Joseph have agreed he will be sold if an offer comes in to Leeds’ liking. That is clearly yet to emerge.
But his absence is telling and Farke had this to say about his future: “Let’s see what the outcome is. We want to keep our best players. I’ve also learned to never say never. Sometimes there are crazy offers.
“We have to accept the reality – like last season when we sold some of our most important players. There is a no doubt Mateo is a player I really rate. We will see how the next weeks develop. Time will tell.”
It is clear that Joseph is a prime candidate to be sold, with Leeds likely to sell a player or two. Joseph will also represent large profit in the eyes of PSR and it makes sense for the club to sell the Elland Road gem.
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