According to Marca, Real Betis wants to sign Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca on a complete move.
According to the Spanish newspaper (18 June), because Leeds failed to earn promotion last season, Roca will be permitted to spend another season on loan, having already done so with La Liga club Betis in the 2023-24 season.
However, Marca reports that Manuel Pellegrini would love to “own” the defensive midfielder outright.
The source also claims that there are “no doubts” about Roca’s situation and that, “barring a major surprise,” the Spaniard should remain with Betis next season.
Why Leeds United could benefit greatly from Marc Roca’s departure this summer
Despite having a successful season with Leeds during the season in which they were relegated from the Premier League, Roca has not been a major absentee from Daniel Farke’s starting lineup this season.
With Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, Ethan Ampadu, and Archie Gray all capable of playing central midfield, the Whites have plenty of options in that position.
Ampadu, in particular, was Mr. Versatile at Elland Road last season, playing in both centre midfield and defence as needed for Farke’s side.
According to Sofascore, Ampadu has performed significantly better defensively than Roca, with the Wales international averaging 1.4 interceptions per game and recovering 6.9 balls in the Championship.
Roca, on the other side, averaged only 0.7 interceptions and 5.7 balls retrieved per game, while playing in Spain’s top league.
The sale of Roca would also ease Leeds’ PSR issues and might allow the club to keep players like Illan Meslier, who has recently been linked with a move away from Elland Road [The Athletic, 14 June].
It could also aid the West Yorkshire outfit with the transfer of Max Wober, as they may not have to demand as high a fee for the Austria international. [Bild, 17 June].
