What's The Situation?
In a pre-season interview, manager Daniel Farke revealed that Mateo Joseph had requested to leave the club. Farke also confirmed that Joseph refused to travel with the squad to Leeds United’s pre-season camp in Germany. This decision has since stirred controversy among Leeds fans, sparking a debate whether it was the right move.
Request For More Playing Time
Mateo Joseph, who joined Leeds United in January 2022 and was originally assigned to the U-21’s, has reportedly pushed for a move away due to limited playing time. The 21-year-old striker is said to be eager for regular minutes—something he felt was unlikely under the current circumstances.
Joseph's Leeds Journey So Far
Since joining Leeds United, Joseph has been regarded as a promising young talent, initially featuring for the academy. He caught the eye during the 23/24 season with several impressive cameos, including a standout performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup where he scored two goals, highlighting his potential at the senior level. Despite these flashes of brilliance, first-team opportunities remained limited throughout that season. In the 24/25 campaign, Joseph was given a chance to shine, starting Leeds’ first eight games in the Championship. During this period, he contributed one goal and three assists, but the manager ultimately deemed this output insufficient, opting to start Joel Piroe instead, which significantly limited Joseph’s playing time for the rest of the season.
Fan Backlash Over Joseph’s Refusal to Travel
The decision by Mateo Joseph to refuse to travel with the squad during pre-season has not gone down well with many Leeds fans. Supporters have expressed anger and disappointment, viewing it as unprofessional and disrespectful. It’s clear this move has damaged his relationship with a significant portion of the fanbase.
What Lies Ahead?
All eyes will be on how Joseph adapts and whether his loan move provides the playing time he desires. For Leeds, the loan is a test of his professionalism and potential, with hopes that the experience will help him develop into a key player for the future—or signal a fresh start elsewhere.
