Leeds attacker Mateo Joseph refused training amid Real Betis interest, Daniel Farke confirms | OneFootball

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has confirmed that young striker Mateo Joseph refused to train with the squad, as speculation over a potential move to Real Betis intensifies.

Following Leeds’ latest pre-season preparations, Farke revealed the 21-year-old Spaniard made it clear he wants to leave Elland Road.

“What should I do? I cannot call the police to drag him here on the training pitch,” said Farke (via Aadam Patel). “It was his decision.”

Despite Farke hailing him as an ‘interesting player’, Joseph was behind Joel Piroe in the pecking order last season and is eager for more game time heading into 2024/25.

His refusal to train comes just days after fresh contact from Betis, who are keen to take the Spain Under-21 international on loan with an option to buy.

However, Leeds rejected the approach. This is not the first time Betis have made a move for Joseph.

The La Liga side tabled a £10 million offer back in January, which Leeds also knocked back. As things stand, the club maintain that the forward is not for sale.

Joseph faces stiff competition for minutes, with Piroe expected to retain the number nine shirt. The latter spearheaded the club back into the top flight with his goals.

Lukas Nmecha, newly signed, adds another dimension to the forward line as Leeds attempt to keep themselves in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Joe Gelhardt remains in the frame, although he will likely leave before the window closes. Patrick Bamford has been told he is not in Farke’s plans for the season.

Despite the unrest around Joseph, Leeds remain in the market for another striker.

But the Joseph saga adds an unwelcome layer of uncertainty as Farke looks to build a squad ready to fight for its place in the Premier League.

Whether Leeds will hold their stance or cave under renewed pressure from Spain remains to be seen.