“No need to play for a club that cannot be promoted”: 35,000-a-week Leeds player has already agreed deal to leave if they don’t go up

Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca has agreed to make his loan move to Real Betis permanent if the Whites fail to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, according to reports.

Roca, who has been on loan at Real Betis since the start of the season, has impressed in La Liga, making 22 starts and helping the team push for European qualification. His performances have been a far cry from his struggles at Elland Road last season, where he failed to make an impact and was subsequently loaned out.

According to ABC via Estadio Deportivo, Roca has agreed to turn his loan into a permanent deal if Leeds fail to go up, which would see him leave the club for good. This would be a significant blow to Daniel Farke’s side, who have relied heavily on Roca’s creativity and vision in midfield this season.

However, it’s worth noting that Roca’s departure would also see Leeds clear a reported £35,000-a-week from their wage bill, which could be reinvested into the squad. Additionally, the club could potentially recoup some of the £10m transfer fee they paid for Roca when he joined from Bayern Munich in 2021.

Roca’s exit would be a blessing in disguise for both parties, as he has found his feet at Real Betis and is enjoying his football again. In an interview with PTV Sevilla, Roca recently spoke positively about his time at the club, saying: “We’ll see (about my future). It’s true that we’re in contact with the club. We’ll see how everything evolves. It’s up to my agent to reach an agreement, and then Betis will have to talk to Leeds. We’ll see how the negotiations progress, but I’m very comfortable and very happy.”

Leeds United will be hoping to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, but if they fail to do so, Roca’s departure could be the first of many changes at the club. With the Championship play-offs fast approaching, the Whites will be eager to secure their place in the top flight and avoid the uncertainty of another season in the second tier.