Following on from impressive performances in the Premier League 2, as well as a Premier League debut against Tottenham, Leeds United’s Mateo Joseph is set to be offered a longer deal along with a pay rise, as per The Sun [27 November].
The Spanish youngster is still in the first year of his contract at Elland Road after signing from Espanyol this January.
Many at the club view Joseph as a rising star with great potential for the future, as reflected in the decision to offer the 19-year-old another year on top of the three-and-a-half-year deal he signed with the Whites upon his arrival in Yorkshire.
Agreeing to this contract will see Joseph’s wages rise significantly to approximately £1m a year including bonuses, report The Sun.
Considering his phenomenal form in the Premier League 2 so far this season, having netted eleven goals in eight matches, it is unsurprising that Leeds are so desperate to keep hold of this promising young prospect.
His displays for Leeds’ Under-21s side caught the attention of first-team coach Jesse Marsch, who granted Joseph his first full 90 minutes for the Whites’ senior side in November’s EFL Cup clash against Wolves.
Despite losing the match 1-0, Joseph performed well on the left-wing, constantly testing the Wolves defence with skilful feet and probing runs.
Marsch seemed to share the sentiments of those praising the Spaniard for how he played against Wolves as he gave him his Premier League debut in Leeds’ next game, bringing him on during the closing stages of a 4-3 loss to Spurs.
Clever move
Given Joseph’s present technical ability, and the potential he has to develop as a player due to his young age, it is critical that he is encouraged to remain at Elland Road for as long as possible.
This new deal reportedly being offered, with its one year contract extension and wage bonus, is seemingly designed to achieve just that.
At the very least, it should help make Joseph aware of how the club view his importance to the future of the side and also deflect any external interest in signing him.
The board has repeatedly stressed the focus on young talent in the Whites’ overall club structure, with Joseph being a key example of this. With players like him in the side, the future certainly looks bright.