Leeds United now have just over a week before the Premier League kicks off. And a lot of issues have been yet to be resolved at the club.
The biggest issue so far is the transfers. Leeds lost out on Igor Paixao, and are struggling to find an alternative. The club planned to add a striker to the squad, but news has gone quiet on that front.
Departures are also expected, but as it stands, nobody is close to leaving Elland Road. Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood are still under contract with the club.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United sold these players to?
Leeds United will make decision on Mateo Joseph
Mateo Joseph has had an interesting summer. The forward featured for Spain’s U21 side at the Euros and gave a good account of himself.
There were eyebrows raised when he said in an interview that he would discuss his future at Leeds United. The club expected him to arrive late for pre-season camping after being active during the summer. However, it did not go as planned. Joseph asked to leave the club, and has decided to remain in the UK with no plans of joining the team.
Leeds’ stance on the player is clear – they will control what happens this summer.
Girona and Real Betis are keen on a move, but their offers have been rejected so far. According to The Athletic, Leeds will make a decision on the future of Mateo Joseph. Sources within the club say that they are patient and will not rush their final decision on the player this summer.
Leicester City determine price tag for Leeds target
Bilal El Khannouss
Credit: Imago Images
Bilal El Khannouss has popped up on Leeds’ radar recently. The Whites sat down with Leicester City to discuss details of a transfer.
No official bid has been made, but Leeds are keen on paying the 21-year old’s £24.5million release clause. However, Leicester are expected to play hard ball. El Khannouss’ clause expires in 14 days, and after that, whoever wants his signature will have to pay the Foxes’ valuation. A fee ”north of £25million” has been quoted for the attacker, who will most likely be sold this summer.
It has been stated that the decision to accept the bid that triggers the release clause will lie with the player, and not Leicester City.
Club need to resolve Joseph issue quickly
The whole Mateo Joseph saga is not what fans would have expected at this point in the summer. Leeds are preparing for their return to the Premier League only to be met with this situation.
A decision must be made soon, to allow the rest of the transfer plans this summer to proceed. Keeping Joseph this season would most likely see the player sit out training, which is not a problem either party wants.
