⚽ Mateo Joseph and Leeds United: A Breaking Point Amid a Summer of Change
In a summer defined by bold signings and quiet exits, one storyline at Leeds United is drawing increasing attention — that of young Spanish striker Mateo Joseph. Just a few short years ago, Joseph was being touted as one of the brightest attacking prospects in the club’s ranks. Now, as the 2025–26 Championship season draws near, he looks all but certain to exit Elland Road permanently.
From high-potential signing to a player training with the U21s during pre-season, Joseph’s journey at Leeds has taken a dramatic turn. But what exactly has happened to a player once viewed as a long-term striker solution? And why does a departure now seem inevitable?
Let’s unravel the full story.
🧒 Mateo Joseph: From Spanish Prodigy to English Project
Born in Spain and developed in Espanyol’s academy, Mateo Joseph first made waves as a technically gifted forward with intelligent movement and a sharp eye for goal. His performances in the Spanish youth system attracted plenty of attention — and in 2022, Leeds United made their move.
The club, then under Marcelo Bielsa, were known for investing in youth with high ceilings, and Joseph fit the mold perfectly. For a modest fee, Leeds secured the services of a forward who had already represented Spain at youth level and was thought to have a future in senior international football as well.
His arrival was low-key, but those within Leeds circles were quietly excited. Joseph adapted quickly to the U23 (now U21) setup and began scoring regularly. His performances in Premier League 2 drew praise, and soon, he was training regularly with the first team. A call-up to the senior squad seemed a matter of time.
📉 A Season of Limited Opportunities
The 2023–24 campaign was supposed to be Joseph’s breakout season, especially with Leeds having dropped into the Championship and undergoing a squad overhaul. Many assumed that Farke, known for developing young talent during his time at Norwich, would give Joseph a real shot at first-team football.
But that opportunity never fully materialized.
Despite being fit for most of the season, Joseph managed just 11 starts in the Championship. He was often limited to substitute appearances or left out of the matchday squad entirely. Leeds leaned heavily on Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe, and occasionally Patrick Bamford, leaving Joseph to battle for scraps.
While he showed glimpses of promise, he didn’t produce a goal tally or performance level that forced Farke’s hand. That lack of consistent opportunity appears to have become a major source of frustration for the player — and ultimately, it set the stage for his current position.
⚠️ A Pre-Season Fallout
Fast forward to the summer of 2025. Leeds United are undergoing significant transformation, with several new signings already through the door and more expected. Among them are midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim (£17m) and Sean Longstaff from Newcastle (£15m), showing the club’s ambition.
But amid all the arrivals, one player’s absence is glaring.
As Leeds kicked off their pre-season tour in Germany, Mateo Joseph stayed behind in England, training with the U21s at Thorp Arch. He was absent from the 4–1 friendly win over SC Verl, and did not travel with the squad. The reason? He reportedly told the club he wasn’t mentally prepared to participate.
This wasn’t just a simple injury or strategic omission. It was a clear signal that Joseph is no longer aligned with the first team’s plans — or vice versa.
Manager Daniel Farke, never one to avoid transparency, addressed the issue head-on:
“I’ve spoken openly and honestly with him about the situation and have strongly recommended, until the situation is sorted, he should do the job. Be professional. He said he’s not in the mental state to do this.”
This kind of language from a manager is rarely used unless a permanent departure is imminent. The relationship between player and club appears strained — not necessarily hostile, but professionally disconnected. With the season opener vs. Everton on August 18 approaching, Joseph’s name is no longer being mentioned among the squad’s plans.
🛍️ Transfer Market: Interest Growing, Fee Demands High
Naturally, Joseph’s name has attracted interest from elsewhere — both in England and abroad.
🇪🇸 Real Betis
Earlier in the summer, La Liga side Real Betis emerged as a leading contender for Joseph’s signature. It was reported that Leeds and Betis had even agreed a fee of £9.5 million, and a move seemed on the verge of being completed. However, talks stalled, and Betis have since pivoted to other targets, possibly due to financial constraints or squad priorities.
🇬🇧 Birmingham City
More recently, Birmingham City — newly promoted back to the Championship — have shown genuine interest. The Blues are in the market for attacking reinforcements and reportedly view Joseph as an attainable yet high-upside option. However, Leeds’ valuation, believed to be around £10 million, has made the move challenging.
Pundit Lee Hendrie, speaking to Football League World, said:
“I think it would be a great move for Birmingham… He needs to play football week-in and week-out if he’s moving from Leeds. But £10 million is a big fee in the Championship, so it depends on how much they really believe in his upside.”
A move to a club like Birmingham — where regular football is more likely and pressure less intense — could offer Joseph the platform he needs to rebuild his momentum.
Other Championship clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation, and foreign interest (particularly from Italy and Belgium) hasn’t been ruled out either.
🔄 A Club in Transition — and Joseph’s Role in It
The timing of this possible departure is not random. Leeds are in the midst of a critical summer as they look to bounce back to the Premier League under Daniel Farke. Having fallen short in the playoffs last season, the club is looking to strengthen every area of the pitch, and that has led to a shift in philosophy.
With big-money signings like Stach, Longstaff, and Lukas Nmecha, the club appears to be prioritizing ready-made, physically robust, and mentally strong players capable of handling the demands of promotion football. This new approach may not leave much space for younger players like Joseph who still need development and confidence-building.
Farke, a meticulous planner, wants a unified, fully committed group — and if Joseph’s heart or mind isn’t in the project, the decision to let him go makes sense.
🧭 What This Means for Joseph’s Career
At 21, Mateo Joseph is entering a critical phase of his development. This next move could define his trajectory — whether he becomes a regular in senior football or fades into the crowded field of once-promising talents who never quite found the right fit.
His technical quality and instincts in the box are not in question. What he needs is:
Regular game time
A manager who believes in him
A system that suits his strengths (quick interplay, high pressing)
A club willing to be patient
Whether that comes in the Championship (with Birmingham or another suitor), in La Liga, or elsewhere in Europe remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: he won’t get it at Leeds United.
⏳ The End of the Road at Elland Road
All the signs — pre-season absence, training with the U21s, mental unpreparedness, transfer request, manager comments — point to an imminent departure for Mateo Joseph.
And while it’s not the fairytale ending either side may have hoped for, it could ultimately be best for both. Leeds need a focused squad chasing promotion. Joseph needs a new environment where he can grow without the baggage of what might have been.
Unless something dramatic changes, expect Joseph to seal a permanent move before August 18. And wherever he ends up, his progress will be closely watched — by fans, by scouts, and by those at Leeds wondering if they may have let a future star slip through their fingers.