Junior Firpo ‘forces Leeds United’s hand’ after what happened v Sheffield United
Junior Firpo may well have forced Leeds United’s hand when it comes to his future on the back of the win over Sheffield United.
Firpo’s return to the starting lineup from an injury picked up in early December has coincided with arguably Leeds’ best spell of form this season; Daniel Farke‘s side having won five games on the bounce.
As well as dominant 7-0, 2-0 and 4-0 victories over Cardiff, Coventry and Watford respectively, Leeds have also come back off the canvas to beat Sunderland and Sheffield United – both rivals for promotion.
Monday’s meeting against the latter at Bramall Lane was one for the ages as United recovered from an early own goal to vanquish the Blades 3-1, sparked by a flying equaliser from the head of their left-back.
Firpo fantastic for Leeds v Sheffield United
Firpo occupying the left flank has helped to give Leeds a new dimension in the final third, providing a hat-trick of assists against Cardiff alone and adding another two against Watford and Sheffield United.
With Leeds 1-0 down against the Blades on Monday, Firpo arriving from nowhere to head home a Daniel James cross turned the game on its head, sparking the fightback which led to a 3-1 victory.
Firpo, however, is in the final six months of his contract at Elland Road with Leeds opting to delay any such talks until the end of the season – by which time he could be a Premier League player once again.
Leeds must make correct call on Firpo contract
Although Firpo struggled in the Premier League – Leeds’ ultimate destination this season – there’s no denying that when United need a hero to step up to the plate, their left-back has done exactly that.
Should Farke’s side finish the job and book their return to the top flight after two years away, the Sunderland and Sheffield United results will be looked back upon for years as defining days in the club’s history.
| Season | League appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| 2021/22 | 24 | 19 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | 19 | 14 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023/24 | 29 | 22 | 0 | 7 |
| 2024/25 | 21 | 20 | 2 | 8 |
Firpo played an absolutely crucial role in both, and while his defending can still leave a lot to be desired, the Dominican Republic international’s attacking link-up play can trouble Premier League backlines.
With eight assists already this term – five of which have come in the five-game run which leaves Leeds five points clear at the top – Firpo has added goals to his game to help turn the tide in United’s favour.
Real Betis may be sniffing around over a possible free transfer in the summer, but with Leeds and Firpo looking set for a Premier League payload at the season’s end, a new contract must surely be on the table.
The performance against Sheffield United alone proves he must be kept on, and Leeds chiefs’ hands may well have now been forced.