Leeds United could be about to confirm their first sale of the summer in the form of Mateo Joseph as talks with Europe Conference League finalists Real Betis continue.
Joseph is currently with Spain’s U21 side and scored in the U21 European Championships opener, a 3-2 win for Spain against Slovakia. Spain fans were impressed with Joseph and his “amazing” movement.
Spanish reports said that Betis were in talks to sign Joseph for £6.75m plus a 20% clause. Now, Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that Leeds have agreed to sell Joseph, and he wants to join Betis.
So, who benefits from Joseph’s potential move to a side that could sign Junior Firpo and currently boast Diego Llorente and Marc Roca – and who is left worse off by it? We discuss the winners and losers.
Three winners from Leeds United selling Mateo Joseph to Betis
Leeds’ PSR position
Leeds have a budget of £150m to spend, but if they spend it all, then sales are likely to be required. The club will have to sell and Joseph, who cost £900,000, represents pure Profit & Sustainability Rules profit.
Patrick Bamford
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Bamford and Joseph have fought back-and-forth to be second choice to Joel Piroe. With Joseph gone, it strengthens the need for Bamford, even if Leeds do go and sign a striker.
Junior Firpo
Betis are also in talks to sign Firpo on a free transfer. Now, Firpo has many ties to his old club – as well as the presence of Diego Llorente and Marc Roca. But, Betis signing Joseph surely smooths a move for Firpo.
Three losers from Leeds United selling Mateo Joseph to Real Betis
Leeds in a few years
It didn’t happen for Joseph at Leeds during 2024-25. But there is a player there, last summer’s pre-season and his eight goals in 11 caps for Spain’s U21 side proving that. In the future, he will be worth a lot more.
Daniel Farke
Joseph was in and around the first team for all of Farke’s two years at Leeds and other than a brilliant bit of form during pre-season in 2024, Farke could not get the best out of Joseph – unlike Spain’s U21 team.
Brenden Aaronson
The USA star and Joseph are best pals. Aaronson’s future is also in doubt at Leeds after a poor season and the likelihood he could be replaced, along with Joseph going, could push him towards a transfer.
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