Leeds United exit being finalised – Middle ground reached for agreement

Real Betis and Leeds United are finalising a deal for midfielder Marc Roca, with a middle ground found to suit all parties.

That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who report that the Spanish side have decided against another loan and will sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

The newspaper report that the two sides are finalising the deal for the Spanish midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Betis following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship.

Betis had the option to extend that loan into a second season but have opted for the ‘middle path’, proposing a deal to Leeds that is lower than an agreed purchase option, which was €12m.

They’ve already secured an agreement with Roca and his entourage, with reports elsewhere in Spain saying that will be a four-year deal.

All that was left was to convince Leeds to lower their demands, something it seems they’ve been able to do. It’s suggested Leeds may have been willing to negotiate as Roca’s contract at Elland Road is due to expire in 2026, so next summer would have seen a price drop anyway.

Estadio add that his determination to remain in Spain also helped in ‘tipping the balance in Betis’ favour, with him refusing to listen to other offers and almost forcing Leeds’ hand.

An agreement is now in place and being finalised for him and Betis to get their way, and for Leeds to add some much-needed funds to their accounts.