Marc Roca is closing in on a move away from Championship outfit Leeds United with his representatives in Spain this week for talks with Real Betis.
Earlier this week, Mundo Deportivo suggested that an Elland Road exit was ‘imminent’ for a man who’s performances under Jesse Marsch, Michael Skubala, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce belied the fact that he arrived in West Yorkshire from none other than Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
One of many Victor Orta signings which promised much but ultimately delivered very little; £10 million Marc Roca failed to fill a Kalvin Phillips-shaped hole in Leeds United’s midfield. He is unlikely to be missed by a fanbase often underwhelmed by his ‘Invisible Man’ tribute act in the centre of the park.
Leeds’ Marc Roca nearing La Liga return
According to Andalusian publication ABC de Sevilla, Roca’s camp are now in talks with Real Betis. They met the Beticos bosses at the La Liga club’s offices on Wednesday.
Roca will reportedly join on loan with an option-to-buy clause in his contract. A return to Spain for the former Espanyol enforcer will also see him share a dressing room with the former Real Madrid, Manchester City, West Ham and Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The veteran Chilean has allegedly given Roca’s arrival the green light too. He is likely to replace William Carvalho, who looks set to depart after attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.
“He wasn’t good enough for the Premier League,” former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson tells Sky Sports.
“There were many players who failed to reach the required level last year. (Roca) was one of them. I wouldn’t be too disappointed if he stayed. I think he’s a good Championship player. He would do well.
“But I think that if Leeds is in the Premier League, he is not good enough. If there is no future for him there, then a loan at another team makes sense.”
There are also doubts about the future of Tyler Adams, Robin Koch, Wilfried Gnonto and more at a Leeds side without a manager or a director of football following the departures of Allardyce and Orta.
Crysencio Summerville, meanwhile, is in talks over a return to Feyenoord.
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