The summer-long Mateo Joseph saga finally came to an end earlier this month when Leeds United sanctioned a dry loan to La Liga side Real Mallorca for the striker.
It came out of the blue when Daniel Farke told reporters after a pre-season friendly in Germany that Joseph wanted to leave Leeds, and that Joseph has refused to travel to Germany to train with the squad.
Joseph was forcing a move and there was danger that he might not get that, showing similarities with the Willy Gnonto saga of 2023. But eventually, Mallorca moved to land the Spain U21 star on a straight loan.
Joseph has now spoken about his Leeds exit, claiming Farke has not been telling the truth. He says that Farke told him he was not in his plans, and that Farke was happy if he did not join the squad in Germany.
Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty ImagesMateo Joseph admits finding it tough over last two years
Farke has now managed over 100 games for Leeds, including 95 league games with two play-off semi-finals and a defeat to Southampton at Wembley. During that entire period, Joseph has not been happy.
That is according to the striker himself, in an interview with The Athletic this weekend. Joseph, who made his debut for Mallorca on Saturday in a 3-0 loss to Barcelona, says he has found it tough under Farke.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
“Here [Mallorca], they gave me the feeling of being very close, very honest people, people who have confidence in me. I’m very happy with the confidence they have in me. My parents are very happy.
“The last two years have been very tough. They [parents] noticed that I wasn’t enjoying football at club level. Now, they tell me they see me differently, they see me smiling, more excited. They’re very happy.”
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What does Mateo Joseph’s future hold after Mallorca loan?
Clearly, Joseph has very nearly burned all of his bridges with Leeds. He may claim that Farke’s comments were not truthful, but that is hardly going to do him any favours while Farke remains Leeds manager.
Of course, a bad start in the Premier League could change that for the German gaffer and Joseph may be tempted to return. Joseph has not ruled out playing for Leeds again, if the situation at Leeds changes.
Ultimately, Leeds will be hoping Joseph shines for Mallorca. That way, they get a more-rounded striker back in a year’s time, or they sell a player that has a much bigger value. It all depends on his loan spell.