Junior Firpo excels for Dominican Republic as Leeds United transfer decision looms
Junior Firpo’s latest performance for the Dominican Republic could give Daniel Farke a decision to make this summer at Leeds United.
The 27-year-old defender is about to enter the final 12 months of his current contract at Elland Road but has continued from his strong second half of the season on the international stage.
Facing the British Virgin Islands in the 2026 World Cup qualifier, Firpo was brought down in the box for a 14th-minute penalty which Dorny Romero tucked home, and also provided an assist for the striker in second-half stoppage time.
Those kinds of performances, and the potential of playing at the upcoming Paris Olympics, could leave Firpo’s future in doubt, with Leeds having the option to either extend his contract or cash in on their number three this summer [Beren Cross].
Leeds United must make Junior Firpo transfer decision
After missing out on an immediate return to the Premier League last season following a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, financial belts at Elland Road will tighten this summer [Troy Deeney].
Alongside fringe players like Kristoffer Klaesson, Sonny Perkins and Kris Moore, the coming season is shaping to be Firpo’s last, and any developments for the left-back will hinge on the Whites’ transfer plans.
Firpo is heading into his fourth season since signing from Barcelona in 2021, and to avoid an official loss in financial fair play terms, Leeds would need to recoup at least a quarter of the £12.8million fee they paid.
Can the Whites fetch a fee of £3.2million or more for the left-back? Firpo’s performances massively improved in 2023-24, but come with the caveat of being part of a Championship, rather than Premier League, side.
Therefore, Leeds need to make their minds up as soon as possible. Either Firpo should be given a new contract, or the club should sell up and purchase a replacement who can provide more than the expensive disappointment that much of his time at Elland Road has been.
In other Leeds United news, a Patrick Bamford exit verdict has been issued involving high wage considerations.
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