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Mateo Joseph’s situation looks settled on the surface, but Leeds United’s evolving squad picture means his return cannot be completely dismissed.
Leeds are heading towards another period of change, and that creates scenarios that did not seem possible during last summer’s fall-out between the Spain U21 striker and manager Daniel Farke.
TeamTalk say Leeds could move on several players as they reshape the squad ahead of the new campaign. Max Wober, Joel Piroe, Isaac Schmidt and Joe Gelhardt are all expected to be sold.
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That level of turnover can force clubs to revisit decisions, especially when it involves players they still control and have already invested in developing. Mateo Joseph’s future is now under the microscope.
Last summer’s saga and fall-out between the striker and Farke might have suggested Joseph would be a fifth name on the list above. But TeamTalk say there is a chance that Joseph could be reintegrated.
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Joseph’s loan has not delivered the output required to demand a fresh opportunity, with two goals and three assists in 27 games underlining a lack of consistent end product while on loan at Mallorca.
That return places him behind other attacking options in terms of readiness and impact. It also reframes his potential role, which would likely be limited rather than central if he were to return.
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Daniel Farke made his position clear during pre-season, stating Joseph was not in our plans after refusing to travel with the squad. But a year is a long time in football and Farke could easily change his mind.
“We spoke. He didn’t feel ready to train, or to travel to Stockholm or Germany. We can’t afford to have a member in the squad who is distracted or not committed; he’s definitely not in our plans.”
Joseph’s response suggests the situation is not fully resolved
Joseph has since challenged that version of events, insisting that wasn’t the case when addressing the claims around his absence from the pre-season training camp in Germany.
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“Then I saw that there were quotes (saying) I didn’t want to go to Germany, that he couldn’t force me. That wasn’t the case. He told me that it was fine if I didn’t go. These situations are disappointing
That contradiction does not repair the relationship, but it does prevent the situation from being viewed as completely closed.
Leeds are unlikely to plan around Joseph, and his current form does not support a major role, but squad turnover and unresolved context mean a return cannot be ruled out entirely.
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