Daniel Farke has confirmed leeds united star has asked to leave the club in a shock move that has rocked the whole of Elland Road

Leeds United Rocked: Farke Reveals Star Player’s Shock January Exit Request

In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Leeds United fanbase, manager Daniel Farke has publicly confirmed that young striker Mateo Joseph has submitted a formal transfer request to leave the club in the January window. The 21-year-old Spaniard, who only returned from a frustrating loan spell at RCD Mallorca in the summer, cited a desire for regular first-team football as the catalyst for his dramatic decision.

Speaking candidly in a pre-match interview ahead of Leeds’ clash with Brighton, Farke didn’t mince words. “Mateo is a fantastic talent, no doubt about it,” the German tactician said, his voice laced with a mix of disappointment and resolve. “He’s got that fire in his belly, the kind that makes you a top player. But he’s made it clear he wants to move on in January. We’ve had honest conversations, and I respect his ambition. It’s tough, but football is a business, and we can’t stand in his way if it’s not working here.”Joseph’s discontent stems from limited opportunities this season. Despite Leeds’ strong start to the Premier League campaign, the former Barcelona youth product has found minutes hard to come by, often relegated to the bench behind established forwards like Joel Piroe and new signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin. His loan at Mallorca last term yielded just four goals in 22 appearances, but it reignited his passion for consistent play. Sources close to the club suggest interest from La Liga sides Real Betis and Sevilla, with a potential £12 million fee on the table—recouping the £13 million Leeds invested in him two years ago.

Farke’s disclosure comes at a precarious time for the Whites. Sitting seventh in the table after a mixed run of form, including a recent 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, the club is already under scrutiny. Losing Joseph could disrupt squad harmony, especially as Farke eyes reinforcements in midfield and defense. “We’ll use this as motivation,” Farke added defiantly. “January is about evolution. If one door closes, we kick another one down.

“Fans, however, are divided. Social media is ablaze with calls to keep the homegrown star, with #KeepMateo trending locally. One supporter tweeted: “Joseph is our future—Farke’s mishandling this!” Yet others back the manager’s transparency, praising his no-nonsense approach.

As the transfer grapevine buzzes, Leeds face a pivotal month. Joseph’s exit could fund a squad overhaul, but it risks alienating a player many see as the heir to Patrick Bamford’s throne. For Farke, whose job security has been whispered about amid the club’s inconsistent results, this is a test of his man-management prowess. Elland Road waits with bated breath—will January bring renewal or regret?