Birmingham City transfer target Mateo Joseph has admitted he would love to return to his native Spain and play in La Liga after being linked with a move to St Andrew’s.
The 21-year-old has three years remaining on his contract at Elland Road after penning fresh terms in January 2024. He started last season in Daniel Farke’s starting lineup but eventually lost his place to Joel Piroe, who went on to win the Championship Golden Boot.
Although he went on to make 39 league appearances for the eventual title winners, the majority of these came from the substitutes bench. The striker was then the subject of a £10 million bid from Real Betis in January, although this was rejected by the Whites.
Birmingham Hoping To Tempt Joseph
News emerged over the past week that Birmingham are hoping to tempt Jospeh into joining the project at the American owned club. Fresh off the back of their record-breaking League One campaign, the Blues are hoping to secure back-to-back promotions and a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2011.
The attacker looks increasingly likely to depart Elland Road this summer. Currently on international duty with Spain at the European Under-21 Championship, he was asked about his future. Speaking to AS, he said:
“We (Leeds United) achieved our goal as a team, but I personally want to be more involved in the final stretch of the season. I think I need more participation to continue developing as a player.
“The season has just ended, and we have to take stock. We’ve been promoted to the Premier League. We’ll see what the club says, but I want to play more to keep growing.”
Asked about a potential return to Spain, Joseph replied:
“There are many players in the National Team I’d like to play with. It would mean I’m at a great club. We’ll see what happens. For now, I’m focused on the European Championship, and my goal next year is to participate more.
“There’s no place like Spain. Of course, at some point I’d love to play in La Liga again.”
Writer’s View
Leeds will be reluctant to let Joseph leave, especially as it is looking increasingly likely that he has a big future ahead of him. Whether they feel he is ready for the Premier League is another matter. Therefore, they may try and persuade the player that a loan move will be beneficial for his career. Sending him to Spain for a year would be a win for both parties. Joseph will achieve (albeit temporarily) his dream of playing in his home country whilst Leeds will keep him on their books. Birmingham wouldn’t be the best move at this stage. They already have Jay Stansfield and Alfie May in their ranks and are likely to bolster their options further. This could see Joseph given a squad rotation role.
