Leeds United have reached the 40-point mark in the Premier League and, while they’re not safe on paper just yet, it would take a major downturn for them to slip back into trouble.
With survival all but secured, attention is already turning to the summer, when the club is expected to be busy in the transfer market.
Leeds are looking to strengthen several areas of their squad, with the focus likely to be on bringing in true quality and upgrades on certain players in the summer.
At the same time, decisions need to be made on a few players who are still on their books, and Mateo Joseph is one of those whose long-term future at Elland Road remains up in the air.
Daniel Farke opens up on Mateo Joseph
Mateo Joseph refused to join pre-season training to force his way out of Leeds last summer. Eventually, the club agreed to loan him out to Mallorca.
While Largie Ramazani has impressed at Valencia and is now likely to sign for them on a permanent deal in the summer, Joseph has had a terrible loan spell in Spain.
He struggled to score goals and recently suffered a knee injury, which has ruled him out for months.
His future at Leeds is under the scanner, but Daniel Farke has remained coy on what could happen with the Spanish striker in the summer window.
However, the manager provided support to the striker who is currently recovering from a serious knee injury.
When asked about Joseph, the manager said in a press conference: “Focus is just on players here.
“Not willing to speak about anything in future on loan players or recruitment. Can speak in detail once everything is finished.
“Fingers crossed for Mateo on such an injury. All our support is with him.”
The Spaniard’s future is on the line
Joseph’s behaviour last summer didn’t win him any favours at Elland Road, and Farke was left furious by his refusal to report for pre-season training.
His performances in Spain before his injury were not good enough, and it was always going to be a challenge for him to have a future at Leeds.
However, even if Farke wants to move him on, the Spaniard’s injury is going to complicate any efforts to push him out of Elland Road in the summer.
No club are likely to gamble on a player recovering from a knee injury, and he may have to prove his fitness before he can find another suitor in the coming months.
There is no clarity on whether he will be fit enough to leave Leeds before the end of the summer transfer window.
