Leeds United transfer confirmed as Daniel Farke forced to make major decision

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph has joined Mallorca on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old will play his football in Spain's top-flight next season after expressing his desire for a move away from Elland Road.

The attacker scored three goals in 39 appearances last season as the Whites earned promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship. Joseph has three years remaining on his deal at Elland Road but didn't travel to Germany as part of the preparations for the return to England's top-flight after expressing a desire to move.

Joseph was spotted landing at Palma Airport on Friday night, insisting he is is "very happy" and "eager to get started" at his new club. Farke revealed that Joseph signalled his intention to leave Leeds last month and as a result, he was omitted from the squad with the focus on next Monday's league opener against Everton.

The German said: "It was actually the plan to have him here [in Germany].

"With him the situation is quite clear. We really value and rate him - otherwise we wouldn't have played him, especially in the beginning of the last successful campaign ahead of a golden boot winner in Joel Piroe and an experienced striker like Patrick Bamford.

"Nevertheless, he came to me and asked for a new challenge and would like to move.

"He has also hinted that he prefers a move to Spain due to his Spanish roots. That was his call."

Farke added: "We have invested a lot in him, time, money and backing.

"He's on a long-term contract and we value him. This is for our key people and the board to decide the value.

"The truth is that no other club has met our expectations yet.

"Because of that, we expected him to train and travel with us. He mentioned that he didn't feel ready for the trip to Stockholm. I accepted this because he started later with training.

"The day after, he said he didn't feel ready to travel to play the friendlies here in Germany.

"It's not a situation I like. I've spoken honestly to him and strongly recommended him to be professional but he said he's not in a mental state to do this.

"What should I do? I can't call the police to drag him here on the training pitch. It was his decision."

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Leeds United Third Shirt 2025/26 Leeds United's 2025/26 Third Shirt Leeds United have launched their new third kit for the 2025/26 season as they celebrate a return to the Premier League. £70 Fanatics Get the shirt here

Here at LeedsLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Leeds United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Leeds news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Click here to read article