Mateo Joseph posts cryptic Leeds message as striker signing lined up
Leeds United’s squad is set for wholesale changes this summer and Mateo Joseph is one player who could be moved on.
Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises can ill afford to let sentimentality dictate their summer transfer policy after the window opened on 1 June, with Leeds set to spend an overall figure in the region of £120million.
Football Insider revealed in April that Leeds higher-ups only see six members of Farke’s squad as ready-made Premier League starters, and there are several positions in which their need to strengthen is clear.
Although Farke has had Joseph, Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and latterly Harry Gray to choose from this season, centre-forward is one area which Farke will prioritise with at least one upgrade on the cards.
Joseph developments ‘loading’ at crucial time for Leeds
Leeds fans were left salivating after Joseph’s performances last summer after he netted four goals across three games in pre-season, but he could only muster three in the Championship last term.
Expected to be Farke’s first-choice number nine after his strong pre-season displays, Joseph quickly fell behind Leeds‘ top scorer Piroe in the pecking order and was often consigned to the bench as a result.
The 21-year-old has had no such issues for Spain’s Under-21s with five goals in as many appearances since his March 2024 debut, and has now joined up with La Roja’s youngsters once again this month.
As Leeds prepare to potentially sell him as part of their planned upgrades up front, Joseph posted on his Instagram story (1 June) with the one word message of: “Loading…”
Joseph exit on the cards as Leeds prepare striker transfer
Football Insider Verdict
Big things were expected of Joseph this season but his return of just three goals could leave the writing on the wall for his future at Elland Road, particularly after Real Betis bid £12million for him in January.
Leeds already have their eyes on a new striker and Football Insider revealed on 25 May that Vladyslav Vanat could be available for just £16m this summer due to a release clause in his Dynamo Kyiv contract.
A move for the more experienced Callum Wilson could also be possible despite his patchy injury record at Newcastle, and any striker who does arrive will only push Joseph further down the pecking order.