PSR constraints will require more sales than Leeds United want to make this summer, with not just fringe and squad players up for sale.
Mateo Joseph was brought to Leeds United by Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa back in January 2022 from Espanyol. He then linked up with their U-23 side initially and made his debut later that year under Jesse Marsch.
Daniel Farke admitted Joseph failed to take chances when they were given to him, which has led to the striker ultimately searching for the exit door, and one club have been hot on his radar.
Now, Real Betis are planning for Joseph talks this month following the conclusion of the U-21 European Championships in Slovakia, with other reports stating the valuations are miles apart.
That’s because Betis want a Joseph deal worth £6.75 million but with a 20% clause. However, there were other outlets which stated that Betis offered £10 million to Leeds for Joseph in January.
- READ MORE: What ‘Getafe sources’ are saying about Christantus Uche after an approach from Leeds United
Leeds’ Mateo Joseph stance revealed after rejecting Betis loan
Betis have an issue to resolve before signing Joseph but he has been linked with a switch there for some time now. It’s previously been reported that Leeds value Joseph at around £12.75 million amid that interest.
We exclusively revealed that Joseph wants to return to Spain, given how infrequently he featured towards the back-end of last season. There are more strikers ahead of him following the arrival of Lukas Nmecha, too.
Joseph’s comments regarding ambition have frustrated Leeds fans previously, which is timely in some ways due to the latest transfer talk involving the young Leeds striker.
Beren Cross of The Athletic now reports the latest on the situation. He states: “Betis have tested United’s resolve on Mateo Joseph with an offer to loan the striker that includes an option to buy him permanently.
“Leeds rejected the bid and insisted their Spain Under-21 international is not for sale.”
The question remains over whether this is the right stance, especially when considering Paraag Marathe has already confirmed the need for Leeds sales this summer.
Leeds’ Mateo Joseph stance is a smokescreen to get Betis to pay more
Joseph is one of 10 players Leeds will listen to offers for, but there could be more this summer. It’s hard to envisage that they are all that bothered to keep him now, given the PSR boost he could give them.
Willy Gnonto and Pascal Struijk have been earmarked as PSR sales potentially, alongside Joseph. A fresh start would not only benefit the player, but Joseph’s sale can help Leeds’ PSR situation immeasurably.
What is more likely is that Leeds are fine to sell Joseph, but only for something which is a substantial benefit financially. Despite what Cross reports as their stance, it’s more likely to be a smokescreen.
You could argue Leeds are getting it wrong regarding their stance, but it could be what helps to drive the price up further if they appear keen to retain him and to utilise him.
Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe, and Patrick Bamford are all ahead of him based on the limited minutes Joseph managed from February onwards. His last start came in an FA Cup tie against Millwall.
That doesn’t scream that Leeds and Farke are desperate to hold onto him, does it?
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
