Leeds striker Mateo Joseph has handed in a transfer request and is refusing to join up with the squad’s pre-season training camp in Germany, with boss Daniel Farke delivering a brutally honest interview, admitting he “can’t call the police”.
Farke has not been one to shy away from difficult decisions this summer.
Just this weekend, the German boss told the press that Whites icon Patrick Bamford had been informed he was no longer part of his plans as the club looks to build for their first season back in the Premier League.
“Patrick is a player who needs right now to be the main man,” Farke candidly admitted. “He needs the backing, the arm around the shoulder after some difficult years and confidence.
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|Daniel Farke told Leeds icon Patrick Bamford that he was not in his plans for the Premier League squad next year
“But after the last two seasons, I was not willing to say 'Come on, you are our main man'. I don't think that he should be a backup option anymore. That's why we had this honest conversation.”
It appears that Bamford will not be the only forward to be departing Elland Road this summer, as Spanish striker Joseph also informed the club of his desire to return to his native Spain.
After his side’s 4-1 victory against SC Verl behind closed doors on Tuesday, Farke expressed his frustration with the situation, explaining that Joseph should have been in attendance for Leeds’ pre-season training camp.
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|Daniel Farke revealed that Mateo Joseph has requested to leave the club
“He had 39 appearances last season and double figures when it came to starting in the Championship. When you do this with a 20-year-old guy, it's because we believe in him, trust him and back him. It's a sign of how much we value him and what we see in him,” Farke explained.
“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, and that's ok.
“I won't stand in the way because I want players who are buzzing to represent this club. For that, I've said 'OK' to Mateo, I accept this and won't stand in the way.
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“On the other hand, we as a club 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.”
The striker garnered interest from a host of La Liga clubs in January, including Real Betis, who were touting a fee in the region of £10million.
Leeds were reluctant to let the 21-year-old leave, however, during the middle of such an important season.
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|The Leeds boss expressed his frustrations with the situation, admitting he 'can't call the police' on the 20-year-old
Farke continued by admitting his disappointment in no uncertain terms, as given there have been no acceptable offers on the table for Joseph, he expected the striker to join them 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," he added.
“What should I do? I can't call the police to drag him here on the training pitch. It was his decision, and for that, he is still in England.”
Leeds are expected to make a move for a striker before the end of the window, with Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha and Joe Gelhardt the only remaining recognised forwards at the club, although the latter is also looking to leave.
The Whites have ramped up their transfer business in recent weeks, with Sean Longstaff and Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach joining Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw as their new arrivals.