Now back in the Premier League, Leeds and Daniel Farke will have more of a pull in the transfer window.
The hope is that Farke can build his dream XI, but the 49ers will need to be flexible this window.
No doubt they will lose out on targets to bigger clubs such as the Real Madrids and the Barcelonas of the world.
But under Marcelo Bielsa, they managed to convince one star to reject Los Blancos for a move to Elland Road.
Mateo Joseph on why he picked Leeds United over Real Madrid
At one stage, Leeds were competing with the likes of Madrid under the leadership of Don Revie.
But the Whites have a long way to go before they can replicate those fortunes, and Paraag Marathe hopes to get Leeds back in Europe.
This will be a part of the long-term ambition, and Mateo Joseph was someone who had belief in this project.
The Spaniard will be entering his fifth season under Farke, but it could have been so different for Joseph.
Speaking in an interview with content creator Papa Pincus, Joseph claimed that Victor Orta helped him reject a move to Madrid.
“My mother told me one day that Madrid wanted to sign me for the U19s,” Joseph said.
“I think of how difficult it was to get into the first team.
“I’m really happy with the choice I made, because maybe I wouldn’t be here.
“The sporting director was Spanish (Orta), and when he met my family, he convinced us.”
Joseph might see an exit from Leeds this summer
Despite being in his fifth season with the club, Joseph is still young and learning his trade.
He’s certainly had his most difficult season this campaign, going by his game time, which has seen Joel Piroe preferred to him on many occasions.
This has no doubt got the striker to question his future as Joseph’s entourage have been contacted for a transfer with a £12.75m price-tag set on the striker.
Real Betis are on Joseph’s radar, so the striker could see a move to Spain as the best spot for his career now, which is a stark contrast from when he rejected Madrid for Leeds.
With his status in the squad, maybe there is some regret for Joseph, who in a different reality would be an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.
