The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Thursday 22nd May) - Real Betis Revive Interest in Mateo Joseph

[Ellandback1]

Good Morning. It's Thursday 22nd May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Real Betis Revive Interest in Mateo Joseph

La Liga outfit Real Betis are reportedly preparing a fresh bid for Spanish U21 striker Mateo Joseph. The Seville-based club previously explored the possibility of signing Joseph with a late bid in the January transfer window, but without a replacement lined up, 49ers Enterprises knocked back their advances.

Mundo Deportivo claim Betis plan to initiate new discussions with Leeds following the conclusion of their season, which culminates with the UEFA Europa Conference League final against Chelsea. Joseph, 21, joined Leeds from Espanyol in 2022 and has since accumulated over 70 senior appearances.

This season saw Joseph contribute three goals and three assists in 39 Championship appearances as Daniel Farke guided Leeds back to the Premier League. He is currently contracted to Elland Road until 2028, suggesting that Betis will face a challenging negotiation process.

The Whites rejected a £10 million bid from Betis for Joseph late on in the January transfer window. At the time, Piroe (and a crocked Bamford) were Leeds only other choices up front, so the club had little choice but to reject their advances. If Leeds were able to secure £15m and a 25% sell on clause, the club may find the offer too good to turn down.





How much do Leeds need to generate in player sales this Summer

Leeds financial situation will play a crucial role in any potential transfer. With Financial Fair Play regulations potentially limiting their summer spending to around £120 million, the club may need to generate revenue through player sales. Mateo Joseph, along with other players like Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Ilea Gruev, and Illan Meslier, could be considered for sale to balance the books.

Leeds United will hope that transfers can be agreed with these five players, potentially raising at least £50m. This financial pressure could potentially make Leeds more receptive to Betis's renewed interest in Mateo Joseph. Rumours suggest that Pascal Struijk could be off to Spurs this Summer, with a speculative fee of between £20m - £25m being banded about. It could mean money left over if 49ers Enterprises can secure Manor Solomon's services on a permanent basis.

[Sean_Nile]

Press Release: Matteo Joseph Commits Future to Leeds United

Leeds, 22 May 2025 —

Matteo Joseph has today reaffirmed his commitment to Leeds United, putting an end to speculation linking him with a move to Real Betis.

In a statement issued through the club, Joseph said:
"There’s been a lot of talk recently, but I want to make it absolutely clear, I’m not going anywhere. Leeds is where I want to be. I’m proud to wear this shirt, and I’m excited about what we’re building here."

[Tom the Cat]

I watched the Spurs v Scum cup final last evening. Two poor sides with Spurs getting into the Champions League - was I the only one thinking that their 'keeper was Meslier in disguise ? Terrible to learn from the press that Scumchester were relying on winning to generate enough money to strengthen their squad - don't know how to console myself.

[Sean_Nile]

I watched the Spurs v Scum cup final last evening. Two poor sides with Spurs getting into the Champions League - was I the only one thinking that their 'keeper was Meslier in disguise ? Terrible to learn from the press that Scumchester were relying on winning to generate enough money to strengthen their squad - don't know how to console myself.

Watched the second half and very reminiscent of the City crystal palace game. Relentless attack thwarted by to low block.

I suppose perfecting the low block would go a long way to ensuring survival in the premiership, but Farke seems to be focusing on building a team to attack.

Boring football for survival or attacking football for entertainment... which to choose?

[Chilli D]

Watched the second half and very reminiscent of the City crystal palace game. Relentless attack thwarted by to low block.

I suppose perfecting the low block would go a long way to ensuring survival in the premiership, but Farke seems to be focusing on building a team to attack.

Boring football for survival or attacking football for entertainment... which to choose?

It will be horses for courses next season so we will need a combination of both.

[mentalcase]

I think a loan deal for Mateo would be best at this stage of his career, confidence is a massive booster and I'd hate to lose him without seeing his full potential.

[1964white]

I think a loan deal for Mateo would be best at this stage of his career, confidence is a massive booster and I'd hate to lose him without seeing his full potential.

My main concern now is Joseph committing himself to Leeds, Bamford hanging on until his contract runs out, we could start the season with the same three strikers as last season in the Premier League.

[Jammy 07]

I think a loan deal for Mateo would be best at this stage of his career, confidence is a massive booster and I'd hate to lose him without seeing his full potential.

The only way you should loan out a young player with massive potential like Joseph is if they sign a contract extension first. This demonstrates to the player that he's in the long term plans of his parent club and also protects his value.

[Barlow Boy]

My main concern now is Joseph committing himself to Leeds, Bamford hanging on until his contract runs out, we could start the season with the same three strikers as last season in the Premier League.

We’ve no chance if that happens mate, no chance.

[1964white]

We’ve no chance if that happens mate, no chance.

We know the score Kev.

[lufc1304]

I think a loan deal for Mateo would be best at this stage of his career, confidence is a massive booster and I'd hate to lose him without seeing his full potential.

This!

[The Subhuman]

We’ve no chance if that happens mate, no chance.

Nothing wrong with adding a starter and carrying 4 forwards .... We don't have to ditch to add.

1 - ? No clue who tbh, strikers are the hardest position to buy proven quality at. Celtic lad looks interesting
2 - Piroe - Don't think anyone is advocating we sell Joel, and we've seen how good Wood has been and Joel is a better Chris Wood
3 - Joseph - His wages will be extremely cost effective and so much talent
4 - Paddy - No one can see how he leaves anyway so we write off the dead money and have him as a squad filler

[The Subhuman]

This!

Can I ask why? Clearly we don't loan to improve. Last player we loaned out to "develop" that became first team? As Jammy says, Joseph's contract isn't long enough for us to have him develop on loan anyway

the "kids" that have come through, notably Summerville, Gray and Struijk, Joffy to a lesser extent while in the prem did so by staying at the club and getting their chance when it arrived. The loan system doesn't allow for recalls anymore so those opportunities go away.

[mentalcase]

The only way you should loan out a young player with massive potential like Joseph is if they sign a contract extension first. This demonstrates to the player that he's in the long term plans of his parent club and also protects his value.

Thats it Jammy, give him an extension so he knows the score, then hopefully he comes back to be a better player and we still control things, whilst we're doing that, get Vardy in.

[The Subhuman]

We loan out for two reasons, 1: To get salaries off the books and 2: To put a player in a shop window to see if we can make a few quid.

Neither applies to Joseph especially if there's an offer coming in. We've set a 12.5M price tag (and he's worth at least that.) He cost us around 750K. So take the money if you don't want him at ER. Loan is pointless

[The Subhuman]

Nketiah would be interesting, always rated him

[mentalcase]

Disagree SH, a loan will boost his confidence and it will also give note to the player he is still in the managers mind providing we first extend his contract, strikers at the top level are hard to find, Joseph with experience could make it, but we'll never know if we simply sell him to make a quick profit.
Also the PSR rules or whatever they are, would favour us keeping him, plus his wages are low in comparison.

[The Subhuman]

Disagree SH, a loan will boost his confidence and it will also give note to the player he is still in the managers mind providing we first extend his contract, strikers at the top level are hard to find, Joseph with experience could make it, but we'll never know if we simply sell him to make a quick profit.
Also the PSR rules or whatever they are, would favour us keeping him, plus his wages are low in comparison.

If we did that then fine but we don't ... Where would you loan him? Championship?

[The Subhuman]

He could as easlily lose confidence as gain it. New city/town, could take time to settle, new system, new partnerships etc. Probably ends up on the bench for his new club as they've not "invested" in him more than a few thousand in salary...

[mentalcase]

If we did that then fine but we don't ... Where would you loan him? Championship?

I wouldn't be bothered as long as it was at least championship standard, maybe a Spanish option is viable.
I think when he starts scoring goals his confidence will come on, and he needs to get game time to link up with play, probably too much at stake for him this season with us.