Mateo Joseph ACL injury leaves Leeds United with stalled sale and awkward long-term call | OneFootball

Mateo Joseph has suffered an ACL injury while on loan at Mallorca, a setback with no quick return. Some estimates put a worst-case comeback in 2027, leaving the 22-year-old’s summer exit from Leeds United all but impossible.

According to Leeds Live, any end-of-season move is effectively off. He is contracted to Elland Road until 2028 and his loan contains no buy-out.

A rift emerged last summer after he declined to join pre-season in Germany and asked to leave. Daniel Farke said he only wants players who want to be at Leeds, while Joseph said he was not in the right headspace.

Joseph later claimed Farke had told him he was not in his plans and that missing Germany was acceptable, adding he had given everything and kept a clear conscience.

He has two goals and four assists in 30 Mallorca outings, both goals in one game, and has hinted he would like to remain in Spain if happy.

With new Squad Cost Ratio rules set to squeeze Leeds slightly, trimming is expected, but his long-term injury takes him out of the market.

Farke this week refused to discuss futures until the season ends and stressed rehab comes first.

He must return to Leeds once the loan ends so the club can manage his recovery. The chances of a renewal beyond 2028 are slim and he will go for less than he might have this summer, with only 12 months left and time needed to find his feet.

Source: Leeds Live