Key Points
- Leeds United are ready to allow forward Mateo Joseph to leave on a permanent basis this summer, as sources have told Football Insider.
- The 22-year-old has spent the season on loan at RCD Mallorca in La Liga.
- Joseph is understood to be “very interested” in a permanent move to a Spanish club.
- He joined Mallorca on a season-long loan in August 2025, confirmed by Leeds United, BBC Sport, and the club’s official site.
- Joseph, born October 19, 2003, in Spain, holds dual British-Spanish nationality and stands at 1.85m.
- At Leeds, he has made 73 first-team appearances with 6 goals and 3 assists; contract until June 2028.
- Previous interest from Real Betis, who pushed for loan with option to buy; Leeds demanded £12m minimum for permanent sale.
- Joseph has expressed happiness at Mallorca and desire to stay, stating it “doesn’t depend much on me”.
- Loan deal has no buy option; Leeds retain control.
- In 12 La Liga games this season, Joseph has 2 goals, playing various forward roles; Sofascore rating 6.65.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 8, 2026 –Leeds United are prepared to sanction a permanent sale of forward Mateo Joseph this summer, with sources indicating the 22-year-old is very interested in securing a long-term move to a Spanish club. The development comes as Joseph continues his season-long loan at RCD Mallorca in La Liga, where he has featured regularly despite the team’s challenges.
As reported by sources to Football Insider, Leeds are open to letting Joseph depart Elland Road on a permanent basis. The player, who joined Leeds from Espanyol’s youth setup in 2022, has made 73 first-team appearances for the Whites, scoring six goals and providing three assists. His contract with Leeds runs until June 2028.
Why Is Leeds United Ready to Sell Mateo Joseph?
Joseph’s loan to Mallorca was finalised in August 2025 without a buy-out clause, as confirmed by BBC Sport and RCD Mallorca’s official announcement.
The 21-year-old at the time of the move – now 22 – arrived from Leeds United, with the club stating he holds joint British and Spanish nationality, born in Santander to an English father of Antiguan descent and a Spanish mother. He is a relative of former England international Emile Heskey, with Joseph’s father being Heskey’s cousin.
In a YouTube update from JUSTJOE FOOTBALL SHOW on August 6, 2025, it was reported that Mallorca were in advanced talks for a loan deal, with Leeds rejecting permanent transfer offers at that stage. The snippet noted: “The clubs are in advanced talks for a straightforward loan deal, with Leeds rejecting all permanent transfer offers. Mallorca are firmly in the race to secure the young talent on a loan without a buy option.”
Transfermarkt confirms Joseph’s current status: on loan at RCD Mallorca until June 30, 2026, from Leeds, with a market value of €1.20m and no increase since December 2023.
What Has Mateo Joseph Said About His Future?
Joseph has voiced strong interest in remaining in Spain. In an interview with Fibwi Radio, as relayed by Última Hora and reported by FootballPlace.co.uk, he stated:
“I’d like to continue being happy here. When you’re happy somewhere, why change? It doesn’t depend much on me because I have a contract with another club.”
As covered by Leeds All Over on November 12, 2025, Joseph elaborated on his time at Mallorca: “In the end, Mallorca did an exceptional job, both sports director and coach. They transmitted to me the trust they had in me and that convinced me from the first moment. They knew me very well and had a lot of faith in me and I want to return that trust.” On staying permanently, he added:
“Yes, I’m very happy here. But well, you never know, I would tell you that it doesn’t depend much on me right now either, but we’ll see.”
He also praised new Mallorca manager Martín Demichelis:
“He has ambition, personality and that desire to do well. He’s very demanding, and that aligns well with my personality.”
What Is Joseph’s Record at Leeds and Mallorca?
At Leeds in the 2024/25 season, per Soccerbase, Joseph appeared in 44 games across competitions, scoring 4 goals with 1 yellow card and no reds. Notable games included goals against Hull (August 31, 2024), Sheffield United (October 18, 2024), Cardiff (February 1, 2025), and for Spain U21 in Euro U21 Championship (June 11, 2025).
Earlier interest from Real Betis was detailed by TeamTalk on July 23, 2025: Leeds would allow a sale for at least £12 million (€13.8m, $16.3m), though Betis preferred a loan with option.
Sources confirmed Joseph wants to leave for Spain, having not returned to first-team training.
At Mallorca this season, Mot Leeds News on March 31, 2026, reported 12 appearances as centre-forward, 7 as right winger (where both goals came), plus roles as second striker, left winger, and right midfielder. His Sofascore rating stands at 6.65.
OneFootball on June 11, 2025, noted a potential £8.5 million deal to Betis, highlighting his 73 Leeds games with 6 goals and 3 assists, plus academy prolificacy.
TransferFeed added that Leeds are open to loan but Betis pushes for option to buy; no suitable bids yet, with other Spanish clubs monitoring.
Previous Transfer Interest in Mateo Joseph?
Real Betis led early pursuits. TransferFeed reported Leeds demand £12m minimum; situation on hold without proposals. TeamTalk confirmed openness to temporary or permanent deals if offers meet valuation.
Mot Leeds News on October 27, 2025, linked a potential exit to Real Madrid interest in another player, suggesting Leeds might sell assets. A January 2025 £10m Betis bid was rejected, per Mot Leeds News on March 31, 2026.
Facebook post from Leeds Utd Live noted the loan, with fan comments on selling.
FotMob lists his market value at €6.2M, playing for Mallorca, shirt 18.
Background of the Development
Mateo Joseph’s journey to this point began with his arrival at Leeds from Espanyol in 2022. He broke into the first team in 2022/23, earning a contract extension to 2028 in January 2024.
His Championship form drew Spanish interest, leading to the Mallorca loan in August 2025 amid limited starts behind Joel Piroe. Previous sales rejections, like Betis’ £10m in January 2025, reflect Leeds’ valuation, now shifting to openness for permanent exit given his preference and loan performance. Daniel Farke’s squad planning, with Leeds in Premier League survival mode as of April 2026, factors into decisions.
Prediction: How This Can Affect Leeds United Fans and the Club
A permanent sale could provide Leeds United with funds for squad reinforcement, aiding Premier League stability amid Elland Road expansions and injury concerns.
For fans, it means losing a homegrown talent with U21 international caps, potentially impacting emotional investment in youth pathways, though recouping £12m+ valuation supports long-term ambitions. Joseph’s departure aligns with his development in La Liga, possibly boosting his career while freeing minutes for others like Joel Piroe.
