Thursday’s ABC Sevilla reports that Real Betis has an agreement with Marc Roca, pending approval from Leeds United. Betis has the option to extend his loan for another season if Leeds fails to earn promotion to the Premier League.
Currently, Leeds sits in third place in the Championship, three points behind Ipswich Town in second, with only one game remaining. The Whites are likely heading to the play-offs to fight for promotion.
Real Betis is closely watching developments at Leeds United’s Elland Road, as the outcome of Leeds’ promotion push will affect the Spanish club’s chances of retaining Marc Roca, a 27-year-old midfielder currently on loan from Leeds. Real Betis has already reached an agreement with Roca and his representatives on the terms of an extended stay, including salary and contract length, beyond his current loan period ending on June 30th.
If Leeds United fails to gain promotion to the Premier League, Real Betis has the option to extend Roca’s loan, and this opens the door for the Spanish club to buy him for a lower fee in the summer or wait until 2025 for an even cheaper deal. Leeds’ promotion status will play a key role in determining how much flexibility Real Betis has in negotiations.
The report suggests that Real Betis is not willing to pay €10-12 million for Roca, considering it to be above the market value. With Roca’s contract at Leeds lasting until 2026, Real Betis can benefit from Leeds’ situation by negotiating a more favorable deal if Leeds remains in the Championship.
Real Betis sources have confirmed to ABC Sevilla that they are unwilling to pay the aforementioned fee, highlighting their strategic approach to securing Roca at a reasonable cost. Ultimately, if Leeds fails to return to the Premier League, they won’t require Leeds’ approval to keep Roca. This strengthens Real Betis’ position and aligns with Roca’s reported desire to continue playing with the Spanish club.
