Leeds United could face fresh transfer interest in young forward Mateo Joseph, with La Liga side Real Betis reportedly lining up a summer approach.
The Spanish club are said to be preparing talks following the conclusion of their season as they look to revive interest in the 21-year-old after an earlier bid was knocked back.
Betis Revive Interest Following Rejected January Bid
The La Liga outfit were linked with Joseph in January, but ultimately opted to sign Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernandez. However, they remain keen on the former Espanyol forward and intend to make another approach this summer.
Leeds are understood to have rejected a £10 million bid during the winter window, with the club viewing Joseph as a key long-term prospect — particularly after missing out on then-target Cameron Archer. Joseph, who joined the Whites in 2022, is under contract until 2028 and played a supporting role in their title-winning campaign.
Limited Starts But Key Squad Contribution
Despite only starting 11 of his 39 Championship appearances in 2024/25, Joseph contributed three goals and three assists as Daniel Farke’s side secured automatic promotion and went on to lift the Championship trophy on the final day.
With Joel Piroe preferred as the starting striker and finishing as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals, Joseph was largely used from the bench. Nonetheless, his energy, pressing ability, and technical promise have not gone unnoticed — both in England and abroad.
Betis are believed to be prepared for tough negotiations, especially now that Leeds have secured a return to the Premier League. Reports suggest the Spanish side see Joseph as a long-term project, but any move will likely require a significantly improved offer.
Leeds Looking To Strengthen, Not Sell
Leeds are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer, with striker recruitment already a priority. Reports suggest the club are lining up a second offer for a separate forward after having a £10m bid turned down earlier this month.
Daniel Farke is understood to be a fan of Joseph’s potential, and with the 49ers Enterprises group committed to backing the manager, there’s no immediate pressure to cash in on assets — especially those with long-term value.
Writer’s View
While Real Betis’ interest in Mateo Joseph is credible, any suggestion that Leeds are open to a sale appears premature. The 21-year-old may not have featured heavily last season, but his contract, age profile, and upside make him an asset the Whites are unlikely to part with easily.
Unless an offer well above the rejected £10m emerges, expect Joseph to remain part of Leeds’ Premier League plans — whether as depth behind a new marquee striker or as a rotational option during a demanding campaign.
