Leeds United must make Junior Firpo contract call after rollercoaster
Junior Firpo has endured a rollercoaster spell at Leeds United since joining from Barcelona.
I remember first sitting down to watch the left-back at Elland Road, Everton were the visitors in a 2-2 draw on 21 August 2021.
The defender was then dropped against Burnley and went on to play four consecutive 90 minutes after that, with that inconsistency the story of his early career in West Yorkshire.
Before his explosion of form, myself and many others could guarantee that Firpo would get forward whenever he wanted with little end product and get a yellow card – that was on every bingo card.
Junior Firpo contract decision on cards at Leeds United
After missing out on 13 games in his first season with the club, it got even worse in the second, missing eight entirely and being on the bench unused for another 11.
After relegation, I expected Firpo to be one of the first out of the door, but to my surprise, he stuck around, and it was the best thing for him.
Now, we all go to games expecting the defender to deliver an assist or even score, or at least we will when he has served his recent suspension.
Firpo is now in the final months of his contract at Elland Road and has admitted that he doesn’t know what his future holds, but I would definitely want him to stick around.
Yes, the Championship is easier, but 10 assists and a goal in the second tier isn’t exactly easy from left-back and adding his other numbers makes Leeds his most successful club.
I have rarely seen a left-back as infuriating yet enjoyable during their years with the Whites, but the reality check of relegation has put Firpo back on the right track.
Another shot at the Premier League, and a new contract, surely has to be enticing with a decision needing to be made soon.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could make a huge promotion statement if they are able to finalise a deal for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
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