Leeds hold key to Mateo Joseph loan decision as Mallorca push again

Reports from Spain suggest that Mallorca are ready to make a renewed effort to keep Mateo Joseph for another season, but everything hinges on Leeds United’s own plans for the young forward. According to local Mallorcan coverage, the LaLiga club have been impressed by Joseph’s adaptation and want continuity. Their stance is clear: they intend to request another year of his loan — yet they cannot move a muscle without a decision from Elland Road.

This developing situation lands at an interesting moment for both clubs. Leeds are preparing a pivotal summer under pressure to secure promotion in 2025–26, while Mallorca must rebuild after accepting they cannot trigger Marash Kumbulla’s purchase option. Joseph has therefore become the only loanee they genuinely want to retain, not least because he has added mobility, depth, and a burst of energy in the final third.

Mallorca’s coaches reportedly see him as a player who could flourish further with a second season of Spanish top-flight football. But Leeds — now evaluating which young players to reintegrate — could just as easily decide he is needed back in the Premier League. As one local line put it: “Everything depends on Leeds.”

Joseph said earlier in the summer that he wanted a new challenge and go back to Spain, his preferred move was to Real Betis, unfortunately for him Leeds and Real Betis never came to an agreement.

For Mallorca, the logic is straightforward: Joseph has settled, delivered important cameos and shown the capacity to improve. With 13 appearances, 2 goals and 2 assists in 761 minutes, he has done enough to convince staff that his ceiling is worth betting on.

But the power sits firmly with Leeds. Premier League squads are long seasons’ worth of attrition, and forwards who can stretch the pitch are valuable. If Joseph is viewed as a tactical tool for next season — especially in games Leeds struggle to break down — then the door to Spain may close.

Although optimism exists in Mallorca that Leeds may sanction another loan, it’s worth questioning whether the Yorkshire club can afford to let him go again if internal plans shift or senior attackers depart.

Having followed Leeds closely this season, the takeaway is simple — they cannot afford strategic missteps with young talent. Joseph’s year in Spain has toughened him: he’s faced better defenders (than last year in the Championship), quicker tempo, and higher tactical demands. That normally signals a player on the cusp of being first-team ready.

In our view, the most intriguing element is Leeds’ internal debate. If they keep him, he likely becomes a rotational forward who competes for league minutes rather than cup scraps. If they loan him again, they are betting he’ll return in 2027 as a far more complete No.9 or hybrid second striker. Both options have merits, but the risk is letting development happen too far away from Elland Road.

Another nuance missing in Spanish reporting is Leeds’ potential summer turnover. Although some hints suggest they want Joseph back, other indications point towards leaner squad management, meaning they could still approve a loan simply to guarantee 2,000+ minutes next year. That calculation might outweigh the short-term depth he offers.

Mallorca are prepared to make their request once Leeds present their summer squad blueprint. A decision is expected shortly after Leeds finalise outgoing transfers and determine whether Joseph is part of their 2026–27 attacking unit. Meanwhile, Mallorca’s next steps depend entirely on that green light.

👉 Should Leeds keep Mateo Joseph, or let him continue developing in LaLiga?