Mateo Joseph went on a strike as the Spaniard tried to push a move away from Leeds United last season.
The player and his agent were trying to get him on board at Sevilla for Real Betis, but the Whites didn’t budge as the club didn’t want to lose their prized attacker.
The Yorkshire-based outfit found an alternate solution instead. Daniel Farke set up a loan deal in La Liga for the Spanish U21 international.
Mateo moved to Mallorca, where he has started four out of eight games for Los Piratas this season. The winger also managed to play for at least 20 minutes in his non-starter appearances.
With two goals and an assist in La Liga this season, Mateo is performing well within expectations as the winger’s xG stands at 2.4 and xAG at 0.1.
RCD Mallorca can’t meet Leeds United’s valuation
Mateo Joseph has continued performing well for Mallorca (Credits: Imago Images)
Mallorca were very happy when the Whites approached the Spanish club for a loan deal. However, the club also wanted a buy clause inclusion, but failed to get what they wanted.
However, the heat hasn’t calmed down as many outlets claim that Los Piratas aren’t satisfied with only having the player temporarily.
Nevertheless, local media outlet Ultima Hora has put off the fire as the club doesn’t have a buy option in Mateo’s current contract.
Los Bermellones reportedly fought to include one but were unsuccessful with their mission. The Whites did offer a £8.7-£13m (€10-€15m) permanent deal, but the Spanish side were in no condition to pay that amount.
Ultima Hora also claims that such a big amount won’t be easy money for Mallorca. Considering the club’s humble operations, they’ll probably have to let Joseph leave when the season ends.
Leeds United January plan emerges
In another news, Leeds United seem very keen on signing midfield reinforcements in January. Despite hoarding the likes of Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu, Farke wants to expand the options down the centre.
Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Issouf Sissokho has been reported to be the man for the Whites. With extensive European experience in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League, Sissokho is an interesting option for Leeds United.
“It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that we know about Sissokho, really. He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League qualifiers, the Europa League as well.”
“So he’s got a decent European pedigree. I think obviously, like you’ve said, maybe people are surprised that Leeds are in the market for midfielders because I think their midfielders have been okay this season”, Football Insider transfer correspondent Peter O’Rourke told the Inside Track podcast.
