Willy Gnonto was among several Leeds United players to react after teammate Mateo Joseph shared an emotional farewell message to loan club RCD Mallorca.
Joseph spent the whole 2025/26 campaign on loan in La Liga, making 30 appearances across all competitions. The 22-year-old was involved in five league goals, but his contributions were ultimately not enough to save Mallorca from relegation.
With the striker’s future at Elland Road still uncertain, any possibility of a permanent stay in Spain now appears unlikely.
Joseph has now bid farewell to Mallorca supporters as he prepares to return to West Yorkshire.
Junior Firpo sends message to Mateo Joseph after Mallorca departure
Despite recording only two goals and three assists, Joseph remained a popular figure among the Mallorca fanbase throughout the season.
The former Spain Under-21 international struggled to break into Daniel Farke’s plans at Leeds, but the loan spell at least provided him with regular first-team football over the past nine months.
However, an injury setback during the campaign cut his season short, and considering the current situation at Leeds, his long-term future at Elland Road looks increasingly doubtful.
For now, Joseph has been reflecting on a difficult season that ended in relegation for Mallorca.
“It’s been difficult to find the right words these past few days,” he wrote. “When I arrived, I came here on loan, but from the very beginning I was never treated like someone temporary.
“I truly felt part of the club, the dressing room, and the city. In such an important year for me personally, that meant a lot. It hurts not being able to finish the season on the pitch.
“The injury came at the worst possible time and I wish I could have contributed more, stayed with the team until the end, and repaid some of the support I received throughout the year.
“Even so, I experienced every match, every moment, and every setback as one of my own. I know exactly how hard this squad worked and how much this dressing room suffered.
“Football doesn’t always reward what you deserve, but I have no doubt this club will return to where it belongs.
“Thank you to everyone connected with Mallorca — teammates, staff, medical team, and everyone working behind the scenes every single day.
“Most importantly, thank you to the fans. If a loan player can end up feeling this badge as if it were his own, it’s because of you. I sincerely wish you all the very best.
“I believe this is not the end, but the start of something that will bring everyone even closer together.”
Gnonto and Illan Meslier were among several Leeds players to like the Instagram post, while former teammate Junior Firpo commented: “Always with you.”
What Daniel Farke said about Joseph’s future
Back in April, Daniel Farke was asked about the futures of Leeds’ loan players, including Joseph.
The Leeds boss responded: “Right now my entire focus is on the players here and the task in front of us. I’m not prepared to discuss future plans, loan players, recruitment, or possible signings at this stage.”
The biggest challenge facing Joseph now is recovering from the ACL injury that not only ended his 2025/26 season early, but is also expected to keep him sidelined for a significant part of next season.
For the time being, he is likely to continue his rehabilitation at Thorp Arch before potentially seeking another move away from Leeds — possibly another loan deal — once he regains full fitness.
As things stand, though, his long-term future at Leeds appears increasingly uncertain while the club remain in the Premier League.
