Leeds United fans had to endure the exits of Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville in the summer window just gone, and it might not be long before another prized-asset departs.
Gray’s sale to Tottenham was a heartbreaking one for Leeds fans given his Thorp Arch development and family connection to Leeds. But a necessary one for Profit & Sustainability Rules, and signing Joe Rodon.
Then, Summerville joined West Ham for a fee of £25m, but one that could reach £34m in add-ons. The Dutchman’s exit was inevitable but Rutter’s might not have been as expected, joining Brighton for £40m.
Heartache has been aplenty for Leeds fans over the last six months. Play-off final disappointment, and then the sales of three loved players at Elland Road and another could happen in the next few years.
Mateo Joseph quickly becoming Leeds’ next golden boy
Daniel Farke has placed his faith and trust in striker Mateo Joseph this season, having used the 20-year-old as a bit-part player last season. He scored three goals last term, but two did come against Chelsea.
This season, he has started all four games after four goals in pre-season. Man of the match at Sheffield Wednesday with two assists, he scored and set up Junior Firpo to cross for Joel Piroe in a 2-0 win v Hull.
Joseph has also starred on the international scene and scored the winner for Spain’s U21 side last week in a 2-1 win over Jeremiah Mullen’s Scotland. Dan James says Joseph always “does extras” after training.
What Joseph told Spanish media about a move to La Liga
If those in Spain had not recognised Joseph as a future star, his winner against Scotland will have caught their attention. He was asked by Spanish outlet Onda Cero if he could return to La Liga in the future.
Leeds fans will be worried by Joseph’s answer, as the Spain U21 striker opened the door over a return to Spanish football: “Spain is where I grew up and who knows if I’ll be able to return in the future,” he said.
But one assurance for Leeds fans is that Joseph has a contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2028, and the belief that all release clauses at Elland Road have now gone following Rutter’s Leeds departure.
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