Leeds Utd exodus collects new name, with Marsch flop to join ex-Arsenal star at Europa League club
Another dubious Leeds Utd signing is poised to leave, with a midfielder set to join a LaLiga side on loan with an option to buy where he’ll link up with an ex-Arsenal defender, per a trusted source.
Leeds’ hit-rate in the transfer market over recent seasons has been suspect to say the least. While they struck gold with the likes of Raphinha and Wilfried Gnonto, the failures far outnumber the successes in recent times.
Their relegation to the Championship was always going to prompt a mass clear-out this summer. Loan exits for Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Brenden Aaronson have already been signed off.
Now, a fourth loan departure has been agreed, with Fabrizio Romano reporting Marc Roca will return to Spain by joining Real Betis.
Roca, 26, arrived from Bayern Munich in a deal worth €12m last summer. The Spaniard earned his move to Bayern on the back of his encouraging displays for Espanyol between 2016-20.
However, Roca struggled to adapt to the Premier League and made little impact at Elland Road. Per Romano, he’ll now join Betis on a season-long loan, with the deal also containing an option to buy next summer.
Romano didn’t specify how much the option is for. However, Spanish outlet AS previously claimed the option will be worth £10.2m.
That is roughly the same price paid to Bayern in 2022, meaning Leeds may at least break even on a player who simply didn’t work out.
Romano confirmed a “full agreement” has been struck and Betis are “working to complete outgoings before announcing new signing”.
Another familiar face Roca will play alongside in Betis next season is former Arsenal right-back, Hector Bellerin.
The 28-year-old is a free agent having seen his contract with Sporting Lisbon expire on June 30. Bellerin spent his last season on Arsenal’s books in the 2021/22 campaign loaned to Betis and per Romano, will now sign outright.
The reporter confirmed personal terms have been agreed and like Roca, he’ll be unveiled once Betis get one or two out the door.
Roca and Bellerin will both have a European campaign to look forward to next season after Betis’ sixth-placed finish in LaLiga earned them a place in the group stage of the Europa League.