Marc Roca completes Leeds move as reasons emerge for midfielder’s Bayern exit

Midfielder Marc Roca admits he cannot wait to get started after completing his move from Bayern Munich to Leeds United on Friday.

The Whites emerged as possible suitors for the Spaniard last week as Jesse Marsch continues to bolster his squad. The American has already signed Red Bull Salzburg pair Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. And now 25-year-old Roca has inked a four-year deal with the West Yorkshire outfit.

While details of the move are still sketchy, it is thought that Leeds paid the Bavarians in the region of £10m for his services. Roca plays as a defensive midfielder in the style of Kalvin Phillips.

And rumours began to circulate that his capture might pave the way for the England international to move elsewhere. But Phil Hay of The Athletic suggests the pair could operate in tandem to anchor the Leeds midfield.

There is still plenty of time in the summer transfer window for things to happen. But Marsch is setting his stall out early to avoid a repeat of last season’s battle with relegation.

While Roca was a regular for Espanyol before moving to Germany in 2020, he made only 24 appearances for the Bundesliga giants. And the former Spain Under-21 star confessed that a lack of game time was  behind his move to Elland Road.

“I stayed at Bayern for two years and I want to play more games. It’s a good opportunity for me to be here and I’m very happy,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

Roca relishing Leeds chance

Leeds endured a torrid 2021-2022, with Marcelo Biela losing his job in late February. It was touch-and-go as to whether they would remain in England’s top division.

But victory over Brentford on the final day of the campaign saw them beat the drop. The challenge now for Marsch is to try and establish the club a solid top-flight team.

Leeds agree deal for Bayern midfielder Marc Roca

Leeds United have agreed a deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca.

He has wasted little time in strengthening his ranks. And it seems as though the club’s standing and potential was enough to draw in Roca.

“You always know about Leeds and their history,” he added. “It’s an incredible team and an incredible atmosphere at Elland Road. Everybody talks about it and I’m happy to be here.”

Leeds fans will be excited by Roca’s capture but will be nervously waiting on news of Phillips’s future.

READ MORE: Raphinha wish understood as Leeds stance softens to decrease asking price to Barcelona